Housing for encasing an object

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and/or system for housing a device. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/272,156 filed on Oct. 12, 2011, entitled “Housing For Encasing AnObject,” which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.61/392,361, with filing date of Oct. 12, 2010; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/444,085, with filing date of Feb. 17, 2011; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/471,058, with filing date of Apr. 1,2011. The disclosures of each of the applications cited in thisparagraph are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a housing for protecting one ormore objects, such as an object in need of protection from the elements,mishandling, and/or other mistreatment. For instance, in one aspect, thedisclosure relates to a housing for protecting one or more components ofa device or a device itself, such as an electronic device, for example,an electronic device with a touch screen interface, including but notlimited to: a computer, a digital tablet computer, a mobile telephone, apersonal digital assistant, video recorder, camera, and the like, or asindicated, one or more of the components thereof. In a further aspect,the disclosure relates to a housing for protecting a non-electronicobject.

BACKGROUND

Rain, dirt, dust, mud, snow, and water in all of its forms can bedamaging to various objects. Additionally, objects that are fragile orotherwise breakable can be damaged by mistreatment and/or otherinappropriate handling, such as by dropping. It is, therefore, useful tohave a housing within which an object in need of protection may behoused so as to protect it from inclement conditions, mistreatment,and/or inappropriate handling. Types of objects in need of suchprotection are electronic devices and/or the components thereof,precious items, perishable entities, and the like.

With respect to electronic devices, such devices are well known andwidely used. For instance, a mobile telephone or tablet computer areelectronic devices that are convenient tools that allow people tocommunicate with one another while on the go and away from traditionaltelephone landlines or internet connections. For instance, mobiledevices allow people to communicate via voice, text message, shortmessage service (SMS), instant messaging (IM), and the like. Other suchportable devices include computers, personal digital assistants,electronic digital readers, electronic game devices, video recorders,cameras, and the like. While these devices may be portable and handy touse, they suffer from some drawbacks. For example, they are oftenexpensive and contain fragile electronic components that make them proneto damage due to inclement weather and/or mishandling.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a mechanism whereby anobject, such as a portable device, for instance, an electronic deviceand/or the components thereof, may be protected from inclement weatherand/or errant handling and/or other damage that may result fromcontacting a fluid, such as water, dirt, dust, mud, snow, and the like.The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and system forhousing or encasing an object, such as a device and/or the componentsthereof, as well as methods for using the same, in a manner that offersprotection for the device from adverse environmental conditions,inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage, such as from contacting afluid, such as water. Systems for the same are also provided.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a housing for encasing an object is provided. The objectmay be any object that is in need of protecting from one or more adverseenvironmental conditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage,such as from contacting a fluid, such as water, and/or from droppage.The object may be a device, e.g., an electronic device, and the housinga casing within which the electronic device is housed; or the object maybe a single component or several components of which the device, e.g.,the electronic device, is comprised. For instance, the housing may be ahousing within which an electronic device, such as a mobile phone ortablet computer, is to be fitted; or the housing may be the actualhousing that encases the components of the mobile phone or tabletcomputer. The housing may be of any appropriate size and dimension solong as it is capable of housing the object and protecting it, forinstance, from adverse environmental conditions and/or rough treatment.

In other instances, the object may not be an electronic device, butrather may be a fabricated material, such as a textile material; amanufactured material, such as a mechanical tool or instrument; anaturally occurring material; a synthesized material; a chemical orbiological material; a processed material; a perishable material; aprecious material; and the like. The housing may be in the form of anytypical container known and used in the art for containing theparticular object. For instance, the container may be a cargo ortransport container configured for opening and closing, a suitcase, abriefcase, a messenger container, a food or drink container, a medicinecontainer, first aid kit, a cooler container, a heating container, orany other form of container meant to contain an object or objects andprevent it or them from being damaged due to environmental factorsand/or mishandling.

As indicated, in certain embodiments, the object to be contained is anelectronic device, such as a mobile telephone, digital assistant, acomputer, tablet computer, music player, GPS device, or the like; andthe housing is configured for protecting the electronic device. Incertain embodiments, the object to be contained is one or more, e.g., aplurality, of electronic components, such as electronic components thatare configured for functioning together so as to perform a particularfunction, such as telephonic, computing, and/or photographic functions,and the housing is configured for containing the electronic component(s)of the object and protecting them as well as for assisting in theperformance of the function of the electronic device. For example, wherethe electronic device is a mobile telephone, digital assistant,computer, etc. the components may be the components contained within thedevice that allow it to function in an appropriate manner. The housing,therefore, could be the actual housing of the mobile telephone, digitalassistant, computer, etc. that typically houses the components, however,modified in the manner described herein below so as to be liquid proofand/or shock proof as described herein.

In one aspect the container is configured for containing a device, suchas an electronic device, e.g., a mobile telephone, music player, GPSdevice, and the like. In such an instance, the container includes ahousing wherein the housing is adapted for housing the device, e.g., themobile telephone, music player, GPS device, etc. It is to be understoodthat although the following description is set forth with respect todescribing the shape and size of a particular container for housing aparticular device, i.e., a mobile telephone device, the shape and sizeof the container and/or the object, e.g., device, to be contained canvary, for instance, as described above. Therefore, in one instance, ahousing for housing a device, such as an electronic device, is provided.

The housing is configured such that the device may be fitted within thehousing and be protected thereby, e.g., protected from rain, dirt, dust,mud, snow, water, shock, and the like. In certain instances, the housingmay include a top member and a bottom member that may be removablycoupled together so as to form the housing. In certain instances, thetop and bottom members are separate components capable of beingseparably coupled together, such as, in various embodiments, by beingsnapped together. In other instances, the top and bottom members areformed of a single member made to be folded on itself in such a manneras to fit the device within a cavity formed thereby, such as without theinclusion of a hinge member. In other instances, the top and bottommembers may be formed of a single or a plurality of members that areconfigured for being coupled together via a hinge component.

Each of the top and bottom members of the housing includes a front and aback surface surrounded by a perimeter portion. The perimeter portion isdefined by a proximal and a distal end portion as well as opposing sideportions. The perimeter portion may include a plurality of perimeterportions, such as an interior and an exterior perimeter portion, asdescribed herein below.

In various embodiments, the top and/or bottom members of the housing mayinclude a clasping mechanism. For instance, the top and bottom membersmay include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along at least aportion of the perimeter of the top and/or bottom member, which claspingmechanisms are configured for interfacing with one another in such amanner so as to couple the top and bottom members of the housing withone another thereby sealing the housing. In certain embodiments, theclasping mechanism circumscribes the entire perimeter portion of thehousing. In other embodiments, the clasping mechanism is positionedalong a perimeter portion of the housing but does not circumscribe theentire perimeter portion. In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanismincludes a plurality of clasping mechanisms, one or more of which may ormay not circumscribe the entire perimeter of the top and bottom members.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism is an entirely internalclasping mechanism. By “entirely internal clasping mechanism” is meantthat the clasping mechanism is entirely contained within the bounds thatform the interior or cavity of the housing when the top and bottommembers are coupled together so as to form the housing.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism is an entirely externalclasping mechanism. By “entirely external clasping mechanism” is meantthat the clasping mechanism is positioned entirely on an exteriorportion of the top and/or bottom member such that when the top andbottom members are coupled together so as to form the cavity of thehousing the clasping mechanism is positioned exteriorly to the boundsthat form the cavity of the housing.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism is a hybrid claspingmechanism that is partially internal and partially external to thebounds that form the cavity of the housing. Accordingly, in certaininstances, the perimeter portion may include one or more claspingmechanisms, such as internal, external, and/or hybrid claspingmechanisms that are configured so as to secure the sealing of the topand bottom members together. The clasping mechanisms may be separateelements added on to the perimeter portion of the housing, e.g., wherethe clasping mechanism is an external clasping mechanism, or may be anintegral member therewith, e.g., where the clasping mechanism is aninternal or hybrid clasping mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanism may include a pluralityof clasping mechanisms such as one or more internal and/or one or moreexternal and/or one or more hybrid clasping mechanisms. For instance, invarious embodiments, the housing may include a plurality of internalclasping mechanisms and/or may include one or more external and/orhybrid clasping mechanisms. For example, the housing may include a firstentirely internal clasping mechanism, e.g., one that circumscribes aportion or an entire perimeter of the housing; and may include a secondentirely internal clasping mechanism, e.g., a second internal claspingmechanism that circumscribes an additional portion or entire perimeterof the housing. A further, external or hybrid clasping mechanism mayalso be provided.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, a single internal, external, orhybrid clasping mechanism may be provided; and in other variousembodiments, a plurality of clasping mechanism, e.g., internal,external, and/or hybrid clasping mechanisms, may be provided. Forinstance, in certain embodiments, a plurality of internal claspingmechanisms are provided. The clasping mechanisms are configured suchthat when the top and bottom members are coupled together a liquid-proofseal is provided thereby which seal protects an encased device orcomponents thereof from liquid, such as water.

In one embodiment, one or both of the top and bottom members may includea channel, such as a channel that extends along the perimeter portion ofthe top and/or bottom member. The channel along the perimeter portionmay include an interior bounding member and an exterior bounding member,which bounding members at least partially define the bounds of thechannel. Hence, in such an embodiment, the perimeter portion includes aninterior perimeter portion, e.g., an interior bounding member; and anexterior perimeter portion, e.g., exterior bounding member. A bottombounding member may also be provided. Accordingly, the perimeter portionmay include an interior and an exterior perimeter portion, and incertain instances, the interior and exterior bounding members of thechannel are the same as the interior and exterior perimeter portions ofthe top and/or bottom member. A portion of the bottom member may alsoprovide a bottom bounding for the channel. The at least one channel mayadditionally include a gasket, such as a compressible O-ring, positionedwithin the channel.

In certain embodiments, where one top or bottom member includes aperimeter portion containing a channel, e.g., bounded by interior andexterior bounding members, the opposing member may additionally includea perimeter portion that includes an interior perimeter portion, such asa perimeter portion that interacts with the channel, e.g., so as tocompress a gasket contained therein, and an exterior perimeter portion,which exterior perimeter portion may or may not interact with thechannel. For instance, where the bottom member includes a perimeterportion having a channel bounded by interior, exterior, and/or bottombounding members, the top member may include a perimeter portion thatalso includes interior and exterior perimeter portions, albeit withoutan intervening channel there between, which perimeter portions may beconfigured for interacting with one or more of the perimeter portions ofthe bottom member. For example, the interior and/or exterior boundingmember(s) of the channel of the perimeter portion of the bottom membermay include a clasping mechanism, and a corresponding interior orexterior perimeter portion of the top member may include a correspondingclasping mechanism, such that when the top and bottom members arecoupled together and the clasping mechanism clasped, e.g., snapped,together a liquid-proof seal is provided thereby. Accordingly, invarious embodiments, the interior and/or exterior perimeter portions aswell as the interior and/or exterior bounding members of the top andbottom members may include clasping mechanisms, e.g., correspondingclasping mechanisms, that are configured for interacting with oneanother so as to couple the top and bottom members together, e.g., in aliquid-proof seal.

In another embodiment, for instance, where the housing is intended tohouse a device with a screen, such as an interactive screen, the frontand/or back surfaces of the top and/or bottom member of the housing mayeach include at least one or more membranes. For instance, the top orbottom member may include a membrane, such as a membrane that isconfigured for interfacing with an interactive screen, e.g., a touchscreen, of an encased device in such a manner that when a user touchesthe membrane one or more characteristics of that touch are transferredto the touch screen of the underlying device, and in this manner a useris able to manipulate the screen of the encased device.

In certain embodiments, a front and/or bottom surface membrane is notprovided or is provided as a separate element from the housing. Forinstance, in certain embodiments, a top and/or bottom member of thehousing may include a perimeter portion only, which perimeter portioncircumscribes the device to be encased but does not otherwise include atop and/or bottom surface element that spans from one perimeter portionto the other. In such an embodiment, the top and/or bottom member may beconfigured for interfacing with the perimeter of the top and/or bottomsurface of a device to be encased in such a manner so as to provide aliquid and/or shockproof seal therewith. In certain embodiments, the topand bottom member of the housing may be formed of a single element ormay be composed of separate elements. In certain instances, the top andbottom member may be adapted to interact with a separate top and/orbottom surface element, such as a top and/or bottom surface membranemember.

For instance, the top and/or bottom member may be configured forinteracting with a surface membrane member in such a way that when thetop and bottom member are coupled together, said coupling togethersecures the surface membrane across the surface of the top and/or bottommembers. In other embodiments, the top and/or bottom member may be asingle member that circumscribes the perimeter of the device to becontained, and further configured for interfacing with a separatesurface membrane so as to provide a liquid proof seal therewith. Forexample, the surface membrane may span from one perimeter of a device tobe encased to another and may include an adhesive that allows thesurface membrane to securely attach to the surface of the device, whilethe perimeter portion fits over the perimeter of the device and may ormay not interact with the surface membrane attachment, but together theyfunction to make the device both liquid proof and shockproof. In certainembodiments, only a perimeter portion or only a front or back surfacemembrane portion may be provided.

As described herein below, one or more membranes or portions thereof maybe included herein as part of the front and/or back surface of the topor bottom member or may be provided as the entire top and/or bottommember. The membrane may include a perimeter portion and/or may interactwith a perimeter portion of the housing. Accordingly, the perimeterportion of the membrane may be configured so as to interface with aperimeter portion, such as an inner and/or outer perimeter portion, ofthe top and/or bottom member. For instance, the perimeter portion of atop and/or bottom member, such as the perimeter portion of a top member,may include a plurality of sub-portions, such as a first sub-portion,e.g., an interior perimeter portion, that includes an interior membraneinterfacing member, and a second sub-portion, e.g., an exteriorperimeter portion, that includes an exterior membrane interfacingmember, which interfacing members are configured for interfacing with afront and back surface of a perimeter portion of the membrane, such asin an overmould fashion.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the membrane may be configured suchthat it spans from one side of the perimeter, e.g., of a top or bottommember, to another side of the perimeter in such a manner that the backsurface of the membrane associates with at least the interior membraneinterfacing member of the interior perimeter portion, and the frontsurface of the membrane associates with the exterior membraneinterfacing member of the outer perimeter portion.

Hence, in some embodiments, such as where a front surface membrane isprovided, e.g., on a top member, the membrane may completely cover thefront surface of an electronic device when the device is encased withinthe housing, and in some embodiments, the membrane may cover less thanthe entire front surface, such as covering only a perimeter portion ofthe front surface thereby leaving the interactive touch portion of thefront screen of the electronic device uncovered. In such an instance,the perimeter portion of the membrane may include a gasket so as tomaintain the housing's overall waterproofness, such as a gasket thatcircumscribes the entire perimeter portion of the top member frontsurface membrane.

In other embodiments, a front and/or bottom surface membrane need not beprovided. Rather, the perimeter portion of the top and/or bottom membermay be configured for interfacing with an encased device in such amanner so as to make the perimeter portion of an encased devicewaterproof and shockproof. For instance, the perimeter portion mayinclude a gasket that compresses against one or more of the surfaces ofan encased device thereby preventing liquid from penetrating therebetween. One or more other gaskets may also be provided and configuredas stickers that may be placed on or around an encased device so as tocover various different sound transmission ports of the encased devicethereby rendering the encased device entirely waterproof. Such gasketcovering stickers may be provided entirely on their own or incombination with a perimeter portion.

The membrane, e.g., a first membrane, may have one or more features,such as additional membrane features, for instance, an acoustic membranefeature and/or a button feature. For example, the first membrane mayinclude an acoustic membrane feature, which acoustic membrane featuremay include an aperture spanning from the front to the back surface ofthe first membrane. The aperture may be covered by a second membrane,such as an acoustically transmissive membrane that is offset from thefirst membrane. The acoustic membrane may be offset from the firstmembrane by any suitable element, such as by the addition of a spacermember. Accordingly, the two or more membranes may be attached to oneanother via a suitable adhesive.

The first membrane may additionally include a button feature. The buttonfeature may include an indented region. The indented region may simplybe an indented region in the first membrane or it may be a cut-outregion that has been overlaid with an additional membrane. In variousinstances, the indented region is at least partially circumscribed by aridge region. For instance, in one embodiment, the perimeter portion ofthe button feature may include a raised deformable perimeter portionthat surrounds the indented region. The raised deformable perimeterportion may be configured so as to allow a measure of travel for theindented region of the button feature such that when the indented regionis depressed the raised portion is deformed thereby allowing theindented region to travel without causing significant stretching of thefirst membrane.

The first membrane may also include optically opaque regions and/oroptically transmissive regions, such as an optically transmissive regioncoincident with a proximity sensor or video camera portion of anunderlying device meant to be housed by the housing. In variousembodiments, a front surface membrane may be configured so as to includean optical lens, which optical lens is configured for aligning with acamera or video lens of an encased device.

In an additional embodiment, along with a perimeter portion and/or afront surface membrane, a bottom member may be provided. The bottommember may be comprised simply of a perimeter portion or may include abottom surface member that spans from one perimeter portion to theother. The bottom member may include one or more features. For instance,the bottom member may include a lens feature, such as a feature thatincludes one or more lenses, for instance, a camera and/or video lensand/or a flash lens. The lens feature may additionally include anoptical skirt, such as a skirt that surrounds the one or more lenses andprevents the transmission of light there through from one lens region tothe other lens region.

In a further instance, a perimeter portion, such as a distal endportion, may include a latch feature, for instance, a latch feature forenclosing an opening, such as a port opening. The latch feature mayinclude a lower latch interface, a latch, and an upper latch interface,such that the latch is configured for moving from a closed position,where the latch is in contact with both the lower and upper latchinterfaces, to an open position, where the latch is in contact with onlyone of the lower or upper latch interfaces. In certain instances, thatlatch feature may be positioned entirely on a top or bottom member, andin other instances, portions of the latch feature are included on bothtop and bottom members. In various embodiments, the latch feature isliquid-proof and/or dust-proof and may include a gasket so as to providea liquid and/or dust proof seal when the latch is in the closedposition.

In another instance, the perimeter portion, such as a distal or proximalperimeter end portion, may include one or more acoustic vent featuresfor transmitting and/or channeling sound. For instance, an acoustic ventfeature may include a sound channel having an acoustic vent materialpositioned therein. The acoustic vent material may span the soundchannel at an angle from 0 to 180 degrees in a forward or reversedirection. The sound channel may extend from an exterior portion of theperimeter to an interior portion of the perimeter so as to permit theingress and egress of sound there through, and the acoustic ventmaterial may transect the sound channel, e.g., at an angle with respectto a centerline there through, so as to prevent the ingress (or egress)of water there through.

In one instance, the perimeter portion, such as one of the opposing sideportions, may include a switch feature for engaging a switch mechanismof an encased device. The switch feature may include a switch housingand an actuator having a switch interface. The switch feature mayadditionally include an axle configured for being coupled to the switchhousing and/or the switch interface. The switch feature may beconfigured such that as the actuator moves, such as rotates about theaxle (if included), from a first position to a second position withinthe switch housing, the switch interface causes the switch to move froma first to a second position, such as from an “on” to an “off” position.In certain embodiments, one or more protective bumper portions may bepositioned around the one or more switches or buttons so as to protectthem from impact.

In another embodiment, an outer perimeter portion may include a slotfeature, such as a coin slot feature, for assisting in separating thetop member of the housing from the bottom member of the housing. Theslot feature may include an indented or cut out portion of theperimeter. The cut out portion may be positioned in one or both of thetop and bottom members. Accordingly, the cut out portion may bepositioned on a top and/or bottom portion and is further bounded by oneor a plurality of overhang regions, which overhang region or regions maybe positioned in one or both of the top and bottom members therebybounding the cut out portion. For instance, in one embodiment, the topmember includes the cutout portion, and both the top and bottom memberinclude corresponding overhang portions. A coin may be placed within theslot and twisted thereby causing the top member to move away from thebottom member.

In a further embodiment, the outer perimeter portion may include a noisecancelling feature for assisting in the cancelling of noise, such asambient noise. The noise cancelling feature may include one or more ofan aperture, e.g., positioned in one or both of the top and bottommember, an acoustic membrane, and a sound guide channel. The sound guidechannel may traverse from the exterior of the housing to the interior ofthe housing and may be configured for directing sound from the aperturetoward a noise cancelling feature, such as a microphone, present on anencased electronic device. The sound channel may be intersected by anacoustic membrane feature, which acoustic membrane may be positioned soas to intersect the sound guide channel at an angle with respect to acenterline there through. In certain embodiments, the acoustic membraneis transmissive for gas, e.g., sound waves, but not for liquid. Further,in certain embodiments, the interior portion of the noise cancellingfeature may include a configuration that is adapted for preventing thetransmission, e.g., refraction, of sound from within the case fromentering the noise cancelling microphone of an encased device andthereby causing an echo. Such a feature may include a raised portionthat circumscribes the noise cancelling microphone, when the device isencased within the housing, and may further include a gasket thatcircumscribes the same.

In an additional embodiment, the outer perimeter portion may include aport feature such as a headphone port feature, for instance, forreceiving either a jack (such as a jack of a headphone or speakerassembly) or a closure device or the like. The port feature may includean aperture positioned in one or both of the top and/or bottom members.The aperture extends from the exterior of the assembly to the interiorof the assembly. The aperture may be bounded by one or both of a gasket,such as an O-ring, and a threaded or cammed region, which threaded orcammed region may be configured for receiving a corresponding threadedor cammed region present on either the jack or the closure device to beinserted therein. The threaded region may be configured as a typicalthread feature or may be configured as a cam feature.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the followingdescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with referenceto the appended drawings. Like reference symbols in the various drawingsindicate like elements.

FIGS. 1A-1D provide various perspective views of the front, back, andside surfaces of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-C provide perspective views of a housing of the disclosureincluding a front top and front bottom view.

FIGS. 3A-3H provide perspective views of a latching mechanism of ahousing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3I-3J provide a perspective view of another embodiment of ahousing of the disclosure wherein the housing does not include a frontsurface membrane.

FIGS. 3K-3M provide a perspective view of another embodiment of ahousing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4N provide various side views of different latching mechanismsfor use in sealing a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D provide various views of a top member surface membrane of ahousing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6E provide various side cut-away views of a housing of thedisclosure showing the interaction between the top surface membrane andperimeter portions of the housing as well as a suitable latchingmechanism.

FIGS. 6F-6H provide a perspective view of various features of a membraneof a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7C provide a perspective view of a button feature and proximalportion of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8J provide various views of a lens feature of a housing of thedisclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9K provide various views of a latch feature positioned at aproximal end of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10K provide various views of a sound transmission portionpositioned at a proximal end of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10L-10M provide alternative close up cross section views of theacoustic vent assembly of FIG. 10 k.

FIGS. 11A-11G provide various views of a switch and button feature of ahousing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12D provide various views of a coin-slot feature of a housingof the disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13D provide various views of a noise cancelling feature ofhousing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14D provide various views of an accessory port feature withclosure device of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 15A-15G provide various views of closure device and acorrespondingly configured port opening of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16F provide various views of a waterproof jack and acorrespondingly configured port opening of a housing of the disclosure.

FIGS. 17A-17I provide various views of an adapter for use with a housingof the disclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18D provide various views of a closure element retainingdevice.

FIGS. 19A-19K provide various views of another embodiment of a housingof the disclosure.

FIGS. 20A-20C provide a perspective view of other containing elementsand locking elements.

FIG. 21 provides a perspective view of a jig for use in producing ahousing of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein relates generally to a housing forencasing an object. It is to be understood that although the singular“object” is used herein, the term encompasses one or more objects. Theobject or objects may be any object that is capable of being fit withinthe housing and/or in need of protecting from one or more adverseenvironmental conditions, inclement weather, mishandling and/or damage,such as damage from contacting a liquid, such as water, or damage fromdropping. The housing may be of any appropriate size and dimension solong as it is capable of housing the object and protecting it, forinstance, from adverse environmental conditions and/or rough treatment.The object may be fabricated, e.g., a textile; manufactured; e.g., anelectronic or mechanical device; synthesized; naturally occurring;processed; perishable, e.g., a food product; a precious item; and thelike. The object may be a single object, like an electronic device, ormay be a plurality of objects, such as components that make up anelectronic device.

The housing may be in the form of any typical container known and usedin the art for containing the particular object. For example, thecontainer can be a cargo or transport container configured for openingand closing, a suitcase, a briefcase, a messenger container, a mealcontainer, a medicine container, first aid kit, a cooler container, aheating container, a food or drink container, or any other form ofcontainer meant to contain an object and prevent it from being damageddue to environmental factors and/or mishandling.

In certain embodiments, the housing may be a case configured forencasing a device, such as an electronic device, for example, a mobiletelephone device. In other instances, the housing is part of a device,such as an electronic device, which housing encases various componentsof the electronic device. For example, the housing may be the housing ofa mobile device, or other electronic device, that encases the electroniccomponents of the mobile device (or other electronic device).

Accordingly, in various aspects, a housing for encasing an object, suchas device, methods of using the object, e.g., device, and/or systems forthe same are provided. For instance, in one particular embodiment, ahousing for encasing a device, such as an electronic device, isprovided. The housing may be configured such that the device may befitted within the housing and be protected thereby, such as from liquidor shock. The housing may include a plurality of separate members, suchas a top member and a bottom member that are designed to be coupledtogether, or may include two members that are joined by a common member,e.g., a hinge member, which members are designed to come together aroundan object to be encased so as to form a liquid-tight seal. In certainembodiments, the housing may be comprised of a single member that isconfigured to be folded upon itself around the device to be encased, insuch an instance, a portion of the member may comprise a top member andanother portion of the member may comprise a bottom member.

There are several advantages achieved by the housings provided herein.For instance, in certain instances, a housing of the disclosure mayprovide a measure of shock absorbance for the protection of an encaseddevice or components thereof. In certain instances, the housing may beconfigured to provide a measure of liquid-resistance for the protectionof the encased device and/or components thereof. For example, in variousinstances, the housing may be shockproof and/or liquid proof. A housingas disclosed herein can also provide protection against the scratching,marring, chipping, breaking, fracturing, and the like of the underlyingdevice or components thereof. In certain instances, the shock and/orliquid, e.g., water, resistance is provided while at the same time asmaintaining the unique technical or design features of the encaseddevice. In various instances, the housing is designed to increase thesound transmission qualities of the underlying device, e.g., foramplifying sound and/or sound quality. In some instances, theseadvantages are provided by the housing without substantially increasingthe size and/or the weight of the underlying device.

For instance, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the housing fallwithin the following ranges. The thickness of the various members, e.g.,a top or bottom member, which members may be separate individual memberscapable of being coupled together, e.g., by snapping, joined by a commonhinge, or a single member, and may have a thickness of about 25.4 mm orless, such as 20 mm or less, for instance, about 15 mm or less,including about 10 mm or less, such as about 8 mm, or about 5 mm, forinstance, about 4 mm or less, including about 3 mm or about 2 mm orless, for example, about 1.5 mm or 1.0 mm or less, even about 0.1 mm.

For example, in various instances, such as where the device to becontained is a mobile telephone or PDA device, the thickness of a topand/or bottom member may be less than about 2.5 mm, such as less thanabout 2.0 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, for example, less than 1 mm thick,such as about 0.1 mm thick. Where the device to be contained is a mobilecomputer, such as a mobile tablet computer, electronic reader, or videodisplay, the thickness of a top and/or bottom member may be less thanabout 5 mm, less than about 4.5 mm or about 4 mm, such as less than 3.5mm or less than about 3 mm or less than 2.5 mm, such as less than about2.0 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, for example, less than 1 mm thick, suchas about 0.1 mm thick.

In certain instances, such as where the object to be contained is amobile electronic device, the weight of a top and/or bottom member ofthe housing may be less than about 5 or about 4 ounces, such as lessthan about 4 or about 3 ounces, for instance, less than about 2 ouncesor about 1 ounce, including less than about 28 or about 27 grams.Accordingly, in one embodiment, due to the design features describedherein, a housing of the disclosure is capable of providing shock andliquid resistance to a housed device, while only having a thicknessand/or weight in the range recited above.

Further, in certain instances, the length and/or width of the top orbottom member may be such that it is no longer or wider than about 10 mmof the underlying device it is designed to encase, no longer or widerthan about 8 mm or about 5 mm, for instance, no longer or wider thanabout 4 mm, including no longer or wider than about 3 mm or about 2 mmthan the device the housing is designed to encase. For example, invarious instances, the length and/or width of a top and/or bottom membermay be less than 2.5 mm, such as less than 2.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, forexample, less than 1 mm more than the length and/or width of the devicethe housing is designed to house. Accordingly, in certain instances, ahousing of the disclosure is configured so as to be substantially formfitting with the device it is meant to contain.

In one embodiment, due to the design features described herein, ahousing of the disclosure is capable of providing shock and liquidresistance to a housed device, while only having a relative lengthand/or width in the ranges recited above. Several formulas may beemployed for determining an adequate width and/or length of a particularhousing, and thus, may be easily ascertained by determining the widthand/or length of the underlying device, x, and providing a housing thathas a dimension, y, such as one of the dimensions recited above, that isin addition to the dimension of the underlying device. Specifically, ifthe dimension of the device is x, then the dimension of the housing willbe (x+y), where y is one of the dimensions set forth above, such asabout 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about3 mm, about 3.5 mm, etc. thicker, wider, and/or longer than the houseddevice. An alternative formula for determining an adequate length,width, or thickness of a housing may be to measure the distance y fromthe interior of the housing, which contacts the encased device, to theexterior of the housing, wherein y is within one of the ranges recitedabove.

To ensure the appropriate thickness, length, and/or width and/or weightof the housing have been provided, the device may be fitted within thehousing, then the housing closed, and the housing and/or seal thereofmay be tested for its ability to provide shock and/or liquid resistance,such as by experimentally dropping the housed device and/or exposing itto wet conditions. See, for instance, the examples section below. Thethickness, length, and/or width and/or weight of the housing should beprovided in such dimensions so that the encased device is not broken,cracked, or otherwise damaged by the dropping and/or exposure to liquid,e.g., water in all its forms.

It is to be noted that in certain instances, the housing may be larger,e.g., substantially larger, than the object the housing is configured tohouse, such as where there is little or no utility for having the sizeof the housing tied to the object it is configured to house. Forinstance, where it is determined that it would be beneficial to have ahousing that is substantially thicker, wider, and longer than anunderlying device, than the dimensions of the housing may be thicker,wider, and longer than those dimensions recited herein, such as greaterthan about 10 mm or more or greater than about 5 or about 10 ounces ormore. In other instances, the housing is not substantially larger and/orheavier than the device it is designed to encase. Accordingly, incertain instances, the housing protects the device from one or more of ashock, such as that caused by dropping the device, and/or from liquid,such as that caused from contact with a liquid, such as water, withoutbeing much thicker, wider, longer, or heavier than the device it isconfigured to encase.

In certain embodiments the top member and the bottom member of thehousing are configured for being coupled together so as to from awaterproof and/or shockproof seal. By water-resistant or waterproof sealis meant that a seal is formed by the coupling of the top member withthe bottom member which seal does not substantially allow the passage ofliquid, e.g., water, from one side of the housing (e.g., outside of thehousing) to the other side of the housing (e.g., inside of the housing).

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 1A, the housing may include aplurality of members, such as a top member and a bottom member that areconfigured for being removably coupled together so as to form thehousing 1. It is to be understood that although a particular embodimentis presented herein, such as a housing 1 for encasing an electronicdevice, such as a mobile phone, therein, the object to be housed may beany of a number of different objects, as described above, and thehousing may, therefore, have a number of different shapes, sizes, andconfigurations without departing from the nature of the disclosure. Forinstance, as herein depicted below, the housing may include two separatemembers, e.g., separate individual top and bottom members, that areconfigured for being removably coupled together so as to surround anelectronic device and thereby encase the device. In certain instances,(not shown) the top and bottom members may not be separate members, butrather may be members that are joined, for instance, by a common hingeelement, or a single member configured for being folded upon itself andthereby forming the housing. Hence, the scope of the housings andsystems described herein with respect to the particular embodiments setforth in reference to the figures is not intended to be unduly limiting.

Accordingly, with respect to FIG. 1B, in particular embodiments, thehousing 1 may include a top member 2 and a bottom member 3 that whenremovably coupled together form the housing 1. The top and bottommembers may be fabricated from any suitable material but typically arefabricated from materials that are capable of providing one or more ofshock and liquid resistance to an encased device when the top and bottommembers are properly coupled together. In certain embodiments, the topand bottom members may be composed of various different components andtherefore may be fabricated from a plurality of different materials.Suitable materials from which the top and bottom member may befabricated include rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible materials that may befabricated together so as to provide shock and/or liquid resistance tothe housing. Such materials may include but are not hereby limited toplastics, metals, polycarbonates, nylon, liquid crystal polymers, and/orrubber, thermal plastic urethanes, polyethylenes, and/or polypropylenes,mixtures thereof and the like.

As can be seen with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the top member 2 of thehousing 1 includes a front surface 25 a and a back surface 25 b that issurrounded by a perimeter portion 20. The perimeter portion 20 isdefined by a proximal end portion 21 and a distal end portion 22 as wellas opposing side portions 23 and 24. The perimeter portion 20 mayinclude a plurality of additional features, such as an “on” and “off”switch 16, a headphone port sealing member 53, button protectionelements 12 a and b, which protection elements are configured forprotecting a switch element 90 and button features 99 a and 99 b, aswell as a latch door 71, which may be positioned in between soundinlet/outlet apertures 11 a and 11 b. The front and back surfaces of thetop member may be composed of the same material or different materialswhich materials may be the same or different from the material ormaterials of the perimeter portion. In certain embodiments, the front 25a and back 25 b surface of the housing 1 are comprised of at least onemembrane.

Additionally, a bottom member 3 of the housing 1 includes a front 35 anda back 36 surface surrounded by a perimeter portion 30. The perimeterportion 30 is defined by a proximal and a distal end portions 31 and 32as well as opposing side portions 33 and 34 respectively. The front andback surfaces of the bottom member may be composed of the same materialor different materials which materials may be the same or different fromthe material or materials of the perimeter portion. In certainembodiments, the front 35 and back 36 surface of the housing 1 arecomprised of at least one membrane. In other instances, the front 35 aand a back 35 b surface of the housing 1 is formed of a semi-rigidmaterial, such as polypropylene, that is capable of vibrating in such amanner that it amplifies the sound characteristics emitted from anencased device. As depicted the front surface 35 a of the bottom member3 includes standoffs 16. These standoffs may be positioned anywherealong the front surface 35 a of the bottom member, or they may bepositioned in such a manner so as to create an audio channel so as toincrease the transmission and/or amplification of sound, for instance,be creating an air gap between the front bottom surface 35 a and a backsurface 135 of a housed device. Such an air gap can both channel soundaway from the housing 1 and may further amplify sound by reflecting offof the two surfaces.

FIG. 1C provides a housing 1 including a top member 2 and a bottommember 3 prior to being fitted around an electronic device 100 to befitted therein. As depicted, the top 2 and bottom member 3 are alignedwith respect to a device 100 to be contained within the housing 1, priorto them being fitted around the device and snapped together. Alsodepicted are top 2 and bottom 3 members as they would be subsequent tobeing coupled together around device 100. FIG. 1D provides a perspectiveview of the housing 1 of FIG. 1C this time from a bottom up view.

Depicted are the top 25 and bottom surface 35 as well as perimeterportions 20 and 30 of the housing 1. The top 25 or bottom 35 surface mayinclude one or more features, such as an acoustic membrane feature 44and/or a button feature 40. One or more of the outer perimeter portions20 and/or 30 may also include features. For instance, an outer perimeterportion, e.g., 20 or 30, may include a slider switch 90, one or morebutton features 99 a, b, and/or a latch feature 71. As depicted, theslider switch 90 and button features 99 a, b are positioned on the topmember 2, and the latch feature 71 spans from the bottom member 3 to thetop member 2. In other embodiments, one or more of these positions maybe reversed.

FIG. 1D provides a perspective view of the bottom back surface 36 andperimeter portions 20 and 30 of the housing 1. The bottom back surface36 may include one or more features, such as a camera portion 80, whichcamera portion 80 may include a plurality of sub-portions, such as anoptical skirt 82, a camera lens 84, and/or a flash lens or orifice 86.

FIG. 2A provides a perspective view of an assembled housing 1, wherein adevice to be encased therein is not present. The top front and backsurface 25 a,b and outer perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2 aswell as the bottom front surface 35 and perimeter portion 30 of thebottom member 3 are depicted. In this embodiment, the top front and backsurface 25 is composed of a single translucent membrane. Accordingly,the bottom front surface 35 of the bottom member 3 is seen through thetranslucent membrane 25 of the top member 2. A portion of thetranslucent membrane 25 may be configured so as to include one or moreopaque regions, such as towards the perimeter of the membrane, whichopaque region circumscribes a visibly translucent area. An opaque regionmay be entirely opaque or may include optically transmissivesub-regions.

As depicted, the top membrane 25 includes a plurality of features. Forinstance, the top membrane 25 includes a button feature 40, opticallyclear regions 47 and 48, e.g., corresponding to a video camera portionand a proximity sensor portion of an encased device, respectively; andan acoustic membrane portion 44 including apertures 46 for transmittingsound. Apertures 46 are prevented from passing liquid there through bythe presence of a waterproof gasket 45, which gasket is permissive tosound but not to liquid. Such a gasket may be comprised of severaldifferent water phobic materials such as GoreTex® and the like. Asdepicted, the outer perimeter portion also includes a plurality offeatures including a plurality of speaker sound transmission portions 60and a latch feature 70 including a latch cover 71 for covering a chargeport. Also depicted are stand-offs 16 which may be included on thebottom front surface 35 so as to allow separation between and encaseddevice and the bottom member, for instance, for greater shock absorbanceand enhanced sound transmission.

FIG. 2B provides an up close view of the front top portion of thehousing 1 of FIG. 2A. The top front surface 25 comprises a transparentmembrane that includes an opaque perimeter. As illustrated in thisembodiment, the top front membrane 25 includes an acoustic membraneportion 44, including an aperture 46, e.g., for transmission of soundthrough an acoustic vent 45, an optically clear region 47, configuredfor being used in conjunction with a video camera of an underlyingdevice, and another optically clear region 48, configured for being usedin conjunction with a proximity sensor of an underlying device. It is tobe noted that if desired, the optically clear region 47 may beconfigured to include a lens 80, which lens may be aligned with a cameralens of an underlying device.

FIG. 2C provides an up close view of a front bottom portion of thehousing 1 of FIG. 2A. The bottom portion of the front surface 25comprises a membrane which includes a button feature 40. The membrane 25is transparent but includes an optically transmissive portion and anopaque perimeter that is not optically transmissive. Also depicted aresound transmission portions 60 a and b and a perimeter latch feature 70both of which, in this embodiment, are positioned at the proximal end21, 31 of the housing 1.

The front and/or back surfaces of the top and/or bottom member of thehousing include a perimeter portion. In certain embodiments, theperimeter portion of the top and/or bottom member may include aplurality of sub-portions. For instance, the perimeter portion of a topmember 2 may include an interior 20 a and an exterior 20 b perimeterportion, which perimeter portions may be configured for interacting withdifferent portions of a top member membrane 25. In certain embodiments,the perimeter portion of a bottom member 3 may include an interior 30 aand an exterior 30 b perimeter portion. In certain instances, one orboth of the interior 30 a and exterior 30 b portions may form aninterior bounding member and an exterior bounding member which togethermay in turn form a channel 10. As depicted, the channel 10 is positionedon the bottom member 3, but this configuration may alternatively beincluded on the top member 2 and vice-versa.

The perimeter portion of a top and bottom member, or a sub-portionthereof, may be fabricated from any suitable material. The perimeterportion may be fabricated from the same material as a top and/or bottomsurface member or may be fabricated from one or more different materialsthan the top and/or bottom surface members. For instance, in variousinstances, such as when there is an interior and exterior perimeterportion, such as on a top member, the interior perimeter portion may befabricated from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic,polycarbonate, or the like, so as to provide structural integrity to thehousing, whereas the outer perimeter portion may be fabricated from amore flexible, e.g., semi-rigid or flexible material, such as apolyethylene or polypropylene material, or the like, so as to providethe perimeter of the housing with a measure of shock absorbance andprotection.

Hence, in certain instances, as depicted in FIG. 2D, the top memberincludes a more rigid interior perimeter portion 20 a that is coupledwith a more flexible exterior perimeter portion 20 b. The rigid interiorperimeter portion 20 a provides structure to the top member of thehousing, while the flexible exterior perimeter portion 20 b of thehousing provides shock absorbance. As depicted the interior 20 a andexterior 20 b perimeter portions are integrally formed together, such asin the manufacturing process, but in other embodiments they may be twoseparate elements that are capable of being coupled together after themanufacturing process. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the top member2 may include a perimeter portion 20 that includes a rigid skeletalframe 20 a, such as a polycarbonate frame, which frame is furtherassociated with, e.g., is overmoulded with, a more flexible material,such as a rubber or a urethane material such as a polyethylene or thelike, so as to form an exterior perimeter portion 20 b.

Further, in certain instances, a perimeter portion of a top or bottommember may include an interior and exterior bounding member. Forinstance, as depicted in FIG. 2D, bottom member 3 includes a perimeterportion 30, which perimeter portion 30 further includes an interiorbounding member 30 a and an exterior bounding member 30 b. The interiorand exterior bounding members may be fabricated from the same ordifferent materials, such as a rigid material, like a rigid plastic, orthe like, or a semi-rigid material, such as a polypropylene material, soas to provide structural integrity to a channel positioned between theinterior and exterior bounding members of the bottom member of thehousing. The interior 30 a and exterior 30 b bounding members my beconfigured in such a manner so as to form a channel 10 there between.

Hence, in one embodiment, one or both of the top and bottom members mayinclude a channel, such as a channel that extends along at least aportion of the perimeter portion of the top and/or bottom member. It isto be noted that with respect to this instance, the top and bottommembers may be separate members configured for being removably coupledtogether, or they can be a single or a plurality of members joined by ahinge element. The channel may comprise an interior bounding member andan exterior bounding member, which bounding members may at leastpartially define the bounds of the channel. The channel may furtherinclude a gasket, such as an o-ring, positioned within the channel.

In certain instances, the interior and exterior bounding members may runalong a portion or the entire perimeter of the top and/or bottom memberof the housing. As depicted in FIG. 2D, the interior 30 a and exterior30 b bounding members forming channel 10 circumscribe the entireperimeter portion 30 of bottom member 3. One or both of the interior orexterior bounding members may include a clasping mechanism that alsoruns along a portion or the entire perimeter of the top and/or bottommember. In this instance, the exterior bounding member 30 b runs alongthe entire perimeter of the bottom member 3 of the housing 1. Theexterior bounding member 30 b includes a clasping mechanism 37 that alsoruns along a portion or the entire perimeter of the bottom member. It isto be noted that where an interior or exterior bounding member of achannel, e.g., of a bottom member, includes a clasping mechanism, theopposing member of the housing, e.g., top member 2, may also include aclasping mechanism 27 that is configured for interacting with theclasping mechanism 37 on the interior or exterior bounding member of thebottom member 3.

The clasping mechanisms of the top and bottom member may have anysuitable configuration so long as they are capable of interacting withone another in such a manner so as to couple the top member of thehousing with the bottom member of the housing. In certain instances,this coupling is in such a manner so as to provide a liquid-proof sealbetween the top and bottom members of the housing.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 2D, the top 2 andbottom 3 members of the housing 1 may include corresponding claspingmechanisms 27, 37 that extend along the perimeter portion of the top andbottom member, which clasping mechanisms may be configured forinterfacing with one another in such a manner so as to couple the top 2and bottom 3 members of the housing with one another thereby sealing thehousing.

The clasping mechanism may extend around the entire perimeter of thehousing members or a portion thereof. For instance, the claspingmechanisms may extend around about 99% or more, about 95%, about 90%,about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about55%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 10%,or less of the perimeter, such as where the top and bottom members arejoined by a suitable hinge element. For instance, where a top or bottommember includes an interior or exterior perimeter portion and/or achannel bounded by an interior or exterior bounding member, the interiorand/or exterior perimeter portion may be configured such that a portionthereof forms the clasping mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the clasping mechanisms may be configured suchthat they lessen and/or remove the deflection that would be typical whencoupling the two members of the housing together when employing aclassic latching mechanism known in the art. For instance, whenemploying a typical latching mechanism known in the art, e.g., one thatclasps at single point along a perimeter portion, deflection oftenoccurs as a result of a latching mechanism that only exerts a closingforce on discrete locations on the opposing surfaces. Such a latchingmechanism leaves substantial gaps between the various tensioning points.A configuration such as this results in deflection as the two parts ofthe housing work against each other, because these tensioning pointsbetween the gaps are where the opposing forces get integrated andtherefore are maximized.

In certain instances, the present housing and features thereof areconfigured for constraining these oppositional forces. For instance, thetop or bottom members of the housing may include opposing claspingmechanism that are configured for dispersing these oppositional forcesalong the length of the housing thereby minimizing the deflection thatmay be caused by the sealing of the two members of the housing. Incertain instances, one or both of the top or bottom member includes achannel, such as a channel that contains a gasket, a portion of whichchannel may include a clasping mechanism that is configured fordispersing the opposing forces throughout the channel.

For example, as depicted in FIG. 2D, a channel 10 may be included withina member of the housing, e.g., bottom member 3, which channel 10 isconfigured so as to constrain the oppositional forces caused by claspingthe members of the housing 2 and 3 together within the channel 10. Insuch an instance, the oppositional forces can be constrained to thesmall space of the channel and further be minimized by a tight couplingof the clasping mechanisms of the top and bottom members 27 and 37,respectively. This is especially beneficial where a gasket 15, such asan o-ring, is included in the channel 10 so as to further compress thegasket and thereby generate a liquid-tight seal.

Gaskets of different sizes may be included so as to facilitate aliquid-tight sealing of the housing. A gasket may be positioned wherevera watertight sealing is beneficial, such as within channel 10. Theinclusion of such a gasket, however, creates additional opposing forcesas the gasket resists the compression caused by the coupling together ofthe two members of the housing. The clasping mechanism, therefore, maybe configured to be substantially continuous along a substantialcircumference of the perimeter so as to better disperse theseoppositional forces. Such a continuous, circumferential clasping systemmay wrap around the entire or a substantial portion of the circumferenceof the device, minimizing transitional gaps and dispersing theoppositional forces that build up in gaps between tensioning points.

A unique feature of the perimeter portion clasping mechanisms hereindepicted with respect to FIG. 2D is that they are entirely internal tothe housing 1. By “entirely internal to the housing” is meant that thecorresponding clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are entirely within thebounds of the housing 1 such that when the top member 2 is coupled tothe bottom member 3 (See FIG. 1B), the corresponding clasping mechanisms27 and 37 are contained within the inside of the housing and notexterior thereto, e.g., the clasping mechanisms may be positioned alongthe inside of the perimeter of the housing 1. Additional latchingelements, such as external latching mechanisms, can further be included,e.g., along an outside perimeter of the housing, so as to further ensurethat a liquid-tight seal is provided. Additional internal latchingmechanisms may also be provided.

Accordingly, a clasping system of the disclosure can provide a smallcross section that solves the problems of: how to close/assemble thehousing and keep it joined together, how to minimize the materialnecessary to make the housing (so thicker materials are not required inorder to resist the band inflection), and ensuring the gasket, e.g.,O-ring, is suitably compressed between the two case housings, therebycreating a liquid-proof and seamless seal.

As set forth above, a plurality of clasping mechanisms both internaland/or external may be included as part of the housing. For instance,the housing may include one or a plurality of internal claspingmechanisms and/or one or a plurality of external clasping mechanisms. Asexplained below, the clasping mechanisms may have a variety of differentconfigurations. For example, the top and bottom members may each includean internal clasping mechanism that is configured as opposing catches orhooks and/or extended portions and grooves, which clasping mechanismscircumscribe an internal portion of the perimeter of the top and bottommembers. Alternatively, or in addition to the opposing catch mechanisms,the top and bottom member may include an internal clasping mechanismthat is configured as male and female counterparts, e.g., teeth andholes. Additionally or alternatively the housing may include an externalclasping mechanism that may have any suitable configuration such as aclip or peg and slot configuration. One or more of these configurationsare detailed further herein below.

In certain instances, the perimeter of the housing may include one ormore additional features, such as an earphone port. In such an instance,it may be beneficial for a perimeter portion, such as an internalperimeter portion having a clasping mechanism associated therewith, tohave an altered configuration so as to compensate for the space occupiedby the additional perimeter feature.

For instance, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 2D, in certainembodiments, the perimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 3 includes achannel 10 defined by an interior 30 a and exterior 30 b boundingmember. The channel 10 may have at least a portion of a gasket 15therein, such as an O-ring, as well as a clasping mechanism 37, e.g.,associated with the exterior 30 b (or interior) bounding member. In suchan instance, the exterior 20 b (or interior) perimeter portion of thetop member 20 may include a respective clasping mechanism 27 configuredfor being coupled to the clasping mechanism 37 associated with theexterior bounding member 30 b of the bottom member 3. Where anadditional feature, such as a port feature 50, is further included alongthe perimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 3, the perimeter portion30 and clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3 may have aconfiguration, such as a raised portion, that is adapted to accommodatethe additional feature, e.g., port 50.

For example, the perimeter portion may include an increased lengthregion, e.g., an upper lip ridge region, which region runs along aportion of the perimeter, such as along a corner region thereof. Thisupper ridge lip region may be configured as a ramp up. Where the ramp upis included along with a channel having a gasket therein, the ramp upwill extend beyond the height of a gasket fitted within the channel.Such a feature results in a transition with a step up/step downconfiguration which thereby allows the top and bottom members to bejoined in a manner sufficient to form a tight seal without theadditional perimeter feature, e.g., earphone port, interfering with thesealing of the housing.

Specifically, an upper lip ridge feature may be included so as to allowthe clasping mechanisms to clear the additional perimeter features. Sucha step up/down may be positioned anywhere along the perimeter wherethere are features that need to be avoided, but may be of particular usearound the corners of the housing. Hence, in various embodiments, anupper lip ridge feature may be included so as to allow the consistentcoupling, e.g., snapping, of the top and bottom members together withouthaving to add substantial additional material to the width or thicknessof the housing member, e.g., so as to compensate for the additionalperimeter feature/gasket interaction.

Additionally, such upper ridge lip features may be included along thecorners of the perimeter of the housing so as to ensure better sealingregardless of whether additional features are provided. Such upper ridgelip features, therefore, may allow the closing of the housing in such away that there is not a gap in the closure and thus the seal will becontinuous. Because the seal, in this embodiment, is a continuous seal,it is able to snap down all around the circumference of the housing.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 3A, the front 25 and back 35surfaces of the top 2 and bottom 3 members of the housing 1 include aperimeter portion 20 and 30, respectively. As depicted, the top member 2includes a perimeter portion 20. The perimeter portion 20 includes aninterior perimeter portion 20 a and an exterior perimeter portion 20 b.The interior perimeter portion 20 a is composed of a rigid material,such as a polycarbonate material, and is configured for associating withan enclosed device so as to secure the device within the housing 1 andto dampen the transference of shock from the outer side of the housingto the interior of the housing. The exterior perimeter portion 20 b iscomposed of a flexible material, such as TPE, and is positioned aboveand along a side of the interior perimeter portion 20 a. The outerperimeter portion 20 b may function to absorb shock due to impact.

The interior 20 a and exterior 20 b perimeter portions may be fabricatedtogether, such as in an overmould process, or be fabricated separatelyand joined together. For instance, in certain embodiments, the outerperimeter portion 20 b may be removable from the interior perimeterportion 20 a. In other instances, the interior 20 a and exterior 20 bperimeter portions are fabricated together along with the front surfacemembrane 25, when included, in such a manner that the interior perimeterportion 20 a associates with a bottom surface of the membrane, theexterior perimeter portion 20 b associates with a top surface of themembrane. In such a manner as this, the membrane 25 may be integrallyassociated with the perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2.

A benefit of this overmould process may be the generation of a flexibleprotective rim, e.g., composed of the flexible TPE perimeter portion 20b, that circumscribes the perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2and/or the membrane 25. It is to be noted however that such a rim may befabricated and associated with the perimeter portion 20 a of the topmember 2 in other ways not involving such an overmould process.Additionally, in other instances, the front surface membrane 25 may beattached to an interior perimeter portion 20 a of a top member 2 throughthe application of an adhesive, such as a temperature or pressureactivated adhesive. In such an instance, the membrane 25 may be attachedto a top surface of the perimeter portion 20 a or a bottom surfacethereof. A flexible outer perimeter portion 20 b may then be added ineither an integrated fixed manner or a removable manner. It is furthernoted, that in various embodiments, the interior bounding member 20 aincludes a clasping mechanism 27.

The bottom member 3 includes a perimeter portion 30. The perimeterportion 30 also includes an interior perimeter portion 30 a and anexterior perimeter portion 30 b. In this instance, the interiorperimeter portion forms an interior bounding member 30 a and theexterior perimeter portion forms an exterior bounding member 30 b.Together the interior and exterior bounding members 30 a, b bound achannel 10. The exterior bounding member 30 b includes a claspingmechanism 37.

The clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 can have any configuration so long aseither clasping mechanism is capable of interacting with thecorresponding clasping mechanism. In this instance, clasping mechanism27 on top member 2 interacts with corresponding clasping mechanism 37 onbottom member 3 so as to provide a seal thereby, such as a liquid-tightseal. Hence, clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 is configured forinteracting with a corresponding clasping mechanism 37 of the bottommember 3, which clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the topand bottom members together, such as in a liquid-proof sealing.

As depicted, the clasping mechanism 37 is associated with exteriorbounding member 30 b of the bottom member 3, and the clasping mechanism27 is associated with interior perimeter portion 20 a of top member 2.It is to be noted, however, that clasping mechanism 37 may be associatedwith interior bounding member 30 a of the bottom member 3, and theclasping mechanism 27 may be associated with exterior perimeter portion20 b of top member 2. The channel 10 further includes a gasket 15, suchas an O-ring gasket. In this embodiment the clasping mechanisms 27 and37 are configured as corresponding catches but may have otherconfigurations, such as a rib with extended protrusion member and grooveconfiguration, and the like. It is to be noted, that in this embodiment,the clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are entirely internal claspingmechanisms. By “entirely internal clasping mechanisms” is meant that theclasping mechanisms are configured for being coupled together in such amanner that when the top and bottom members are coupled together and thehousing formed, the clasping mechanisms are entirely internal to theouter bounds of the housing, e.g., they are internal to the housing,such as contained within an internal cavity within the housing. Suchinternal clasping mechanisms are internal to the housing and notobservable by looking at the external perimeter portion.

It is to be noted that although the bottom member perimeter portion 30is depicted as having bounding members 30 a and 30 b, and the top memberperimeter portion 20 is depicted as having interior and exteriorperimeter portions 20 a and 20 b, in certain instances, the top memberperimeter portion 20 may have bounding members, e.g., 20 a and 20 b,bounding channel 10; and the bottom member perimeter portion 30 may haveinterior and exterior perimeter portions, e.g., 30 a and 30 b, which donot bound a channel.

Also depicted is a plurality of spacer elements on bottom member 3.These one or more spacer elements create acoustic space within thehousing for the amplification of sound and further perform the functionof increasing shock absorbance. Additionally, such structures can beconfigured as tensioning elements that may be used to increase thetension on a front membrane 25 when an electronic device to be housed isinserted within the housing 1. For instance, the tensioning elements maybe adapted such that as a device is inserted into the housing 1, itpresses against the tensioning elements, causing the perimeter portion20 to press outwards thereby increasing tension on the front membrane 25attached to the perimeter portion 20 consequently causing the screen toflatten and making for a more responsive user interface.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the catch claspingmechanisms of the top 2 and bottom 3 members of FIG. 3A. The top member2 includes an interior perimeter portion 20 a and an exterior perimeterportion 20 b. In this embodiment, the interior perimeter portion 20 isfabricated from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic orpolycarbonate, and includes top clasping mechanism 27. The rigid plasticprovides a structure for the housing 1. The rigid plastic material ofthe interior perimeter portion 20 a is overlaid with a more flexible,e.g., semi-rigid material, such as rubber, TPE, or the like, whichmaterial forms the outer perimeter portion 20 b, which material may beincluded so as to provide protection, e.g., against shocks, to thehousing.

As set forth above, the top clasping mechanism 27 of the interiorperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2; and the bottom claspingmechanism of the exterior perimeter portion, e.g., bounding member 30 b,may have any suitable configuration. However, in this instance, the topand bottom clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are configured as correspondingcatches. Accordingly, the clasping mechanisms includes a catch or lipregion.

The catch region 27 includes a slanting surface 28 that is intersectedby an intersecting surface 29. Together the slanting surface 28 and theintersecting surface 29 form an edge, or lip, that comprises the catchclasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2. The slanting surface 28 andintersecting surface 29 form an angle. Additionally, the catch region 37includes a slanting surface 38 that is intersected by an intersectingsurface 39. Together the slanting surface 38 and the intersectingsurface 39 form an edge, or lip, that comprises the catch claspingmechanism 37 of the bottom member 3. The slanting surface 38 andintersecting surface 39 form an angle. For instance, the slantingsurfaces may slope with respect to the intersecting surface at a degreethat ranges from 0 to about 90 degrees, such as from about 5 or about 10degrees to about 80 or 85 degrees, for instance, from about 15 or 20degrees to about 70 or 75 degrees, such as from about 30 or 40 degreesto about 50 or 60 degrees, including about 45 degrees.

Accordingly, the catch clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 isconfigured for engaging a corresponding catch clasping mechanism 37 ofbottom member 3. The corresponding clasping mechanisms may havecorresponding surfaces, e.g., lip or edge regions or may have different,but complimentary surfaces. In this instance, the top member 2 has aperimeter portion 20 having a catch clasping mechanism 27 that includesa lip or edge region that comprises a slanting surface 38 that isintersected by an intersecting surface 39. The bottom member 3 has aperimeter portion 30 having a catch clasping mechanism 37 that alsoincludes a lip or edge region that comprises a slanting surface 38 thatis intersected by an intersecting surface 39. In this embodiment, thecorresponding lip or edge regions are configured for being coupledtogether. It is to be noted that although a particular configuration ofclasping mechanisms 27, 37 are depicted, e.g., as corresponding catchclasping mechanisms, other configurations may also be suitable, forinstance, where the slanted surfaces 28 are straight or substantiallystraight, etc. For example, in one embodiment, one of a top or bottommember may have a clasping member configured as described above, e.g.,having a lip edge region, and the corresponding member may have aclasping member that is configured as a receiving element, such as agroove, e.g. a circumferential groove, that is adapted for receiving thecorresponding lip edge of the opposing member.

However, in this instance, the slanting surface 38 and the intersectingsurface 39 comprise the clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3,which clasping mechanism is configured for engaging correspondingsurfaces of the top member 2 clasping mechanism 27. Together the top andbottom clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 respectively form opposing snapclosures that are configured for interacting with one another in such amanner that when they are coupled together, e.g., snapped together, theyseal the housing, for instance, in a liquid-proof seal. It is to benoted in this embodiment, the clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are entirelyinternal clasping mechanism that circumscribe the entire perimeter ofthe housing. Although the top and bottom clasping mechanisms have beendescribed herein with respect to one particular configuration, e.g.,entirely internal and circumscribing the entire perimeter portion, it isto be understood that this configuration is a non-limiting example andmay be modified in various ways so long as the clasping mechanisms arecapable of being joined together in a manner sufficient to couple thetop and bottom members together and thereby seal the housing.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of a representative claspingmechanisms of the top and bottom members. The top member 2 includes aperimeter portion 20. The perimeter portion 20 includes an interiorperimeter portion 20 a and an exterior perimeter portion 20 b. Asdepicted the interior perimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2includes a clasping mechanism 27. It is to be noted that although theinterior perimeter portion 20 a includes the clasping mechanism 27, incertain embodiments, the exterior perimeter portion 20 b may include theclasping mechanism 27.

The top member clasping mechanism 27 includes a surface 28, whichsurface is depicted as slanted. It is to be noted that although thissurface is depicted as slanted, in certain embodiments, it may have adifferent configuration, for instance, it may be substantially straight.The top surface clasping mechanism 27 also includes an intersectingsurface, which in this instance is also an interfacing surface 29. Theinterfacing surface 29 is depicted as a horizontal surface thatintersects surface 28. However, this configuration may be modified solong as a suitable clasping mechanism is formed thereby. In this mannera lip or edge is formed, which edge is configured for interfacing with acorresponding clasping mechanism, e.g., a lip edge or groove member, ofa bottom member so as to couple and seal the top and bottom memberstogether.

The bottom member 3 also includes a perimeter portion 30. The perimeterportion 30 includes an interior bounding member 30 a and an exteriorbounding member 30 b, which bounding members bound channel 10. Asdepicted the exterior bounding member 30 b of the bottom member 3includes a clasping mechanism 37. However, in other instances, theinterior bounding member 30 a of the bottom member 3 may include theclasping mechanism 37.

The bottom member clasping mechanism 37 includes a surface 38, whichsurface is depicted as slanted. It is to be noted that although thissurface is depicted as slanted, in certain embodiments, it may have adifferent configuration, for instance, it may be substantially straight.The bottom surface clasping mechanism 37 also includes an intersectingsurface which in this instance is also an interfacing surface 39. Theinterfacing surface 39 is depicted as a horizontal surface thatintersects surface 38. It is to be understood that the configuration ofthese surfaces may differ from that depicted so long as it is capable offorming a clasping mechanism for interfacing with a correspondingclasping mechanism on the top surface 2. In a manner such as this a lipor edge is formed, which edge is configured for interfacing with acorresponding edge of a top member so as to couple and seal the top andbottom members together. It is to be noted that although the exteriorbounding member 30 b includes the clasping mechanism 37, in certainembodiments, the interior bounding member 30 b may include the claspingmechanism 37. It is also to be noted, that one of the top or bottomclasping mechanisms may have a configuration as a receiving member, suchas a groove, rather than the lip edge configuration described above.

Also depicted is channel 10. Channel 10 is formed in part by theinterior and exterior bounding members 30 a, b as well as the bottomback surface 36 of the bottom member 3 perimeter portion 30. It is to benoted that although as depicted the channel 10 is included as part ofthe bottom member 3, in certain embodiments, the channel can be includedas part of the top member 2, with the corresponding changes being madeto the structures of the top and bottom members. The channel 10 includesa gasket 15, such as an O-ring, which at least partially fills thechannel 10.

The interior perimeter portion 20 a with the clasping mechanism 27 ofthe top member 2 is configured for being inserted into the channel 10and may further be configured for engaging the gasket 15; and mayadditionally be configured for engaging the clasping mechanism 37 of theexterior bounding member 30 b of the bottom member 3 in such a manner asto couple the top and bottom members together, for example, in aliquid-proof seal. In this embodiment, therefore, the interior perimeterportion 20 a includes a gasket interfacing portion that is configuredfor interfacing with the gasket in such a manner as to compress thegasket and thereby from a liquid-proof seal.

It is to be noted that in certain embodiments a gasket need not bepresent within the channel. Further, in certain embodiments, theinterior and/or exterior bounding members may be configured differentlyor not included at all. A different clasping mechanism may be included,e.g., a separate clasping mechanism that is external or distinct fromthe perimeter portions of the top and bottom members, although theclasping mechanism as depicted herein has certain advantages over suchan external clasping mechanism. Nevertheless, an external claspingmechanism may be provided, such as a clamp or other form of externalclasping mechanism. Such an external clasping mechanism may be includedin addition to the internal clasping mechanisms described herein or insubstitution therefore.

For instance, FIG. 3D illustrates a further embodiment of a suitableclasping mechanism of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the claspingmechanism is depicted in conjunction with a coin slot feature, whichfeature is described in greater detail herein below. The perimeterportion 20 of the top member 2 includes an interior perimeter portion 20a and an exterior perimeter portion 20 b. In one embodiment, theinterior perimeter portion 20 a is fabricated from a rigid material,such as a plastic, polycarbonate, metal, or the like, so as to providestability and structure to the perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2.In one embodiment, the exterior perimeter portion 20 b is fabricatedfrom a malleable material, such as an elastomeric material, such asrubber, TPE, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like so as to provideflexibility and/or shock absorbance to the perimeter portion of the topmember.

The perimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 3 includes perimeterportion 30 having an interior bounding member 30 a and an exteriorbounding member 30 b which along with a bottom back surface member 36form a channel 10. In one embodiment, the interior bounding member 30 ais fabricated from a semi-rigid material, such as a plastic, orpolypropylene material, or the like, so as to provide stability andstructure to the perimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 30, whilemaintaining flexibility. Additionally, the exterior bounding member 30 bmay also be fabricated of the same or a different semi-rigid material,such as a plastic, or polypropylene material, or the like from which theinterior bounding member is made. However, in certain instances, theexterior bounding member 30 b may be fabricated or overlaid with a moreflexible material, such as flexible or semi-flexible material, forinstance, a rubber or polyethylene material.

The bottom back surface 36 may also be fabricated from the same rigidmaterial, such as polypropylene, as the material from which the interiorand/or exterior bounding members are made. The interior and exteriorbounding members 30 a,b along with the bottom back surface 36 form thechannel 10. Channel 10 includes a compressible gasket 15, which gasketmay be compressed when contacted with a gasket interfacing region of thetop member, e.g., an interior perimeter portion of the top member.

As depicted in FIG. 3D, the configuration of the top and bottom members2, 3 is such that when they are coupled together a coin-slot feature 18is formed. The coin slot feature is formed as a cut out 18. A portion ofthe top member 2 exterior perimeter portion 20 b forms a top boundingmember 17 of the coin slot feature 18. Further, an extended portion ofthe bottom perimeter portion 30 b of the bottom member 3 includes abottom bounding member 19 of the coin slot feature 18.

Accordingly, the perimeter of the housing may include a coin slotfeature 18 that is comprised of a top bounding member 17, e.g., anoverhang portion of a perimeter portion, and a bottom bounding member19, e.g., an extended portion of a perimeter portion. In certainembodiments, the coin slot feature 18 is included within a singleperimeter portion of a top or bottom member, and in other embodiments itis formed by the joining of the top and bottom member. In variousembodiments, the coin slot feature is a cut out in one or both perimeterportions of the top and bottom members. The coin slot feature isconfigured such that a tool may be inserted therein and employed so asto de-couple the top and bottom members and thereby detach and de-sealthe top and bottom members one from the other.

Other clasping mechanisms may also be employed with respect to joiningthe top and bottom members of the housing together in addition to or insubstitution for those detailed above. For instance, as can be seen withrespect to FIG. 3E, a housing 1 of the disclosure may include a topmember 2 and a bottom member 3. The housing 1 may additionally includean external latch feature 5. This external latch feature 5 may beincluded in addition to the clasping mechanisms described above or maybe included in substitution therefore.

The external latch feature may be an entirely external latch feature,such as one or more clamps or clamp regions. The one or more clamps canbe positioned on the outside of the housing and configured for clampingdown and thereby exerting a coupling force onto the top and bottommembers so as to couple the two members together and seal the housing.Alternatively, the external latch feature may be a hybridexternal/internal latch feature such as that depicted in FIG. 3E.

As depicted in FIG. 3E, the external latch feature 5 may be included onone or more sides, e.g., two or four opposing sides, of the housing 1.Accordingly, a plurality of latch features 5 may be included andpositioned around the perimeter of the housing 1. For example, sides 23,33 and 24, 34 may each include 1 or 2 or 3 or more latch features 5. Thelatch feature 5 may extend along the entire perimeter portion or one ormore sections thereof.

As can be seen, the latch feature 5 includes two interfacing regions 6and 8. As depicted the top member 2 includes latch region 6, and bottommember 3 includes latch region 8. However, the top member 2 may includelatch region 8, and bottom member 3 may include latch region 6. Latchregion 6 includes one or more pegs 7, and latch region 8 includes one ormore corresponding peg receiving members 9. Specifically, the latchregion 6 of top member 2 includes one or more pegs 7, which peg(s) 7 isconfigured for being received within a peg receiving member 9 of latchregion 8 of bottom member 3. As depicted, latch region 6 includes aplurality of pegs 7, which pegs 7 are configured for being receivedwithin a plurality of peg receiving members 9 of latch region 8.Accordingly, as the top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3, thepegs 7 are received within the peg receiving members 9 thereby sealingand/or adding an additional seal to the housing 1.

As described above, the perimeter portion 20 of top member 2 may includean interior perimeter portion 20 a and an exterior perimeter portion 20b. The latch region 6, therefore, may be formed out of one or both ofthe interior and exterior perimeter portions 20 a and 20 b of top member2. For instance, a portion of the exterior perimeter portion 20 b andthe interior perimeter portion 20 a may together make up latch region 6.For example, the exterior perimeter portion 20 b that makes up part oflatch region 6 may include a concave or cutout region, which cutoutregion exposes the interior perimeter portion 20 a. The exposed interiorperimeter portion 20 a that makes up part of latch region 6 may includethe pegs 7.

Accordingly, the latch region 6 may include a concave portion that is acutout region of exterior perimeter portion 20 b. For instance, in aninstance where the exterior perimeter portion 20 b of top member 2 iscomprised of a flexible material that overlays a rigid framework thatcomprises the interior perimeter portion 20 a of top member 2, theconcave region of exterior perimeter portion 20 b may be a cutout regionin the flexible material of perimeter portion 20 b. The cutout regionmay expose the interior perimeter portion 20 a, which perimeter portionmay include one or more pegs 7. For instance, in an instance where theinterior perimeter portion 20 a of top member 2 is comprised of a rigidmaterial, the rigid material may also include one or more pegs 7 thatare exposed by the cut-out region in perimeter portion 20 b. The peg(s)7 may be configured for being received within one or more complementarypeg receiving members 9 positioned in the latch region 8 of bottommember 3, so as to aid in coupling the top member 2 and bottom member 3together in the formation of the housing 1.

The peg(s) 7 and peg receiving member(s) 9 may be configured such thatwhen the pegs 7 are received within the peg receiving members 9 thelatch regions 6 and 8 of the perimeter portions 20 and 30 are flush withthe rest of the perimeter portion 20 and 30. In certain instances, thepeg(s) 7 and/or peg receiving member(s) 9 may be sized so that the latchregions 6 and 8 are not flush with the rest of the perimeter portions 20and 30 but are extended or indented. For example, in certain instances,the pegs 7 on the top member 2 may be positioned on the exteriorperimeter portion 20 b or positioned on the interior perimeter portion20 a but sized such that they extend outward therefrom away from theperimeter portions 20 a and 20 b. The corresponding latch region 8 onbottom member 3 may therefore include extended peg receiving members 9.This, for instance, could be useful when thicker and longer pegs areemployed so as to form an extra secure seal.

Hence, the latch region 6 of top member 2 may be formed in part from acutout region of the exterior perimeter portion 20 b that exposes theinterior perimeter portion 20 a. The pegs 7 of latch region 6 may beformed as a portion of the interior perimeter portion 20 a and may befabricated of a rigid material, such as a stiff plastic, polycarbonate,metal, or the like. The pegs 7 may be formed so as to be integral with,e.g., of the same material as, the interior perimeter portion.Additionally, the latch region 8 may be formed as a laterally lengthenedregion of the exterior bounding member 30 b of the bottom member 3. Thelaterally lengthened region 8 may include peg receiving members 9. Ascan be seen with respect to FIG. 3E, the laterally lengthened region 8may be configured for fitting within the cutout region 6 such that theperimeter portions 20 and 30 are flush along their length. As set forthabove, one or more of the latch regions 5 and 8 may be configured suchthat the perimeter portion is not flush along its length.

The cutout region of the latch region 6 of the top member 2 and thelaterally lengthened region of the latch region 8 of the bottom member 3are configured such that as the top member 2 is coupled to the bottommember 3, the laterally lengthened region 8 is fitted within the cutoutregion 6, the pegs 7 are fitted within the peg receiving apertures 9,and the housing is further sealed by the coupling of the latch region 6with the latch region 8. It is to be understood that although thislatching feature 5, e.g., additional latching feature, has beendescribed with respect to the particular embodiment provided in FIG. 3E,it is to be understood that other configurations for latching the topmember with the bottom member and thereby sealing the housing can alsobe employed without departing from the nature of this disclosure.

The front surface 35 of the bottom member 3 may include stand-offs 16that are of a size and position so as to generate air-channels betweenthe housed device and the bottom member 3. The air channels are adaptedto channel and transmit sound through the housing and out through one ormore sound ports 60 a and b, or other sound transmission surfaces, suchas a front or back surface of the housing (as described below), therebyenhancing the quality and clarity of sound transmission from anunderlying device through the housing 1.

In certain instances, the housing 1 may be configured to enhance thesound quality of sound transmission of an underlying device. Forinstance, the top front surface membrane 25 of the housing 1 may beconfigured so as to include an air-gap 12 that may be positioned betweenthe housing 1, e.g., membrane 25, and a housed sound emitting device.The air gap 12 may be positioned along a perimeter portion of the topmember and may circumscribe the entire or a portion of the perimeter,and may be adapted so as to be in communication with one or more soundports 60 of the housing 1.

To further enhance sound transmission, the bottom member 3 of thehousing 1 may be fabricated of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such aspolypropylene, that is capable of resonating and thereby amplifying thesound generated by an encased device. As depicted, the bottom member 3includes a bottom surface having a bottom member front surface 35 and abottom member back surface 36.

FIG. 3F provides a perspective view of the top 2 and bottom 3 members ofthe housing 1. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 3F, the top member 2includes a perimeter portion 20 and a front membrane 25. The frontmembrane 25 includes an optically opaque region and an optically clearregion. The top surface of the bottom member 3 and standoffs 16positioned thereon may be seen through the optically clear region.

FIGS. 3G and 3H provide a perspective view of the top 2 and bottom 3members of the housing 1. As can be seen with respect to FIGS. 3G and3H, the top member 2 includes a perimeter portion 20. The perimeterportion 20 includes an interior perimeter portion 20 a and an exteriorperimeter portion 20 b. The bottom member 3 includes a perimeter portion30. The perimeter portion 30 also includes an interior perimeter portion30 a and an exterior perimeter portion 30 b wherein the interior andexterior perimeter portions bound a channel 10. Accordingly, theinterior perimeter portion of the bottom member 3 comprises an interiorbounding member 30 a, and the exterior perimeter portion of the bottommember 3 comprises an exterior bounding member 30 b, which boundingmembers 30 a and 30 b bound the channel 10.

As can be seen with respect to FIGS. 3G and 3H, the housing 1 furtherincludes an interior clasping mechanism 27 and 37. As depicted, theinterior clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are an entirely internal claspingmechanism. In this instance, the entirely internal clasping mechanisms27 and 37 circumscribe the entire internal circumference of theperimeter of the housing 1, however, in other instances, the claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 need not circumscribe the entire perimeter portionsof the top 2 and bottom 3 members. These entirely internal claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 effectively seal the housing in such a manner thatthe seal is internal to the housing. As depicted, the entirely internalclasping mechanism is configured as a catch and groove claspingmechanism, e.g., clasping mechanism 27 of top member 2 is configured asa circumferential hook or catch element that fits into the claspingmechanism 37 of bottom member 3, which is configured as acircumferential groove that is adapted for receiving the hook element ofthe top member and locking the two housing members together so as toform the housing 1.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the top member 2 includes an internalclasping mechanism catch or hook 27, and the bottom member includes acorresponding internal clasping mechanism groove 37. The top catch 27and bottom groove 37 are configured for being coupled together so as toseal the housing members 2 and 3 one with the other. It is to be notedthat although the entirely internal clasping mechanism 27 has been setforth herein in a certain embodiment, other variations to the entirelyinternal clasping mechanism 27 and 37 can be provided without departingfrom the nature of this disclosure. For instance, in certain instances,the clasping mechanism need not circumscribe the entire perimeterportion of the top and/or bottom member, need not be entirely internal,and may be configured differently from the catch and grooveconfiguration set forth herein.

In addition or as an alternative to one or more of the claspingmechanisms set forth herein above, e.g., clasping mechanisms 27 and 37,the housing may include an entirely internal clasping feature having adifferent configuration than the hook and groove clasping mechanismsdescribed above. For instance, as depicted with respect to FIG. 3F, thehousing 1 may include a tooth and receptacle clasping mechanism 13. Asdepicted, this tooth and receptacle clasping mechanism 13 may be inaddition to the hook and groove clasping mechanisms 27 and 37, or inother instances, it may be substituted therefore.

The entirely internal tooth and receptacle clasping feature 13 of FIGS.3G and 3H may include one or more sections of one or more teeth 13 a.The entirely internal clasping feature 13 may also include one or moresections of one or more teeth receiving members 13 b. The tooth or teeth13 a may be configured for interfacing with the tooth or teeth receivingmembers 13 b in such a way that as the teeth 13 a are coupled with theteeth receiving members 13 b, the top member 2 and bottom member 3 arecoupled together so as to form the housing 1.

For instance, in certain embodiments, the teeth 13 a may be positionedalong a perimeter portion of a top 2 or bottom 3 member, and thecorresponding top or bottom member will have the corresponding teethreceiving members 13 b. In this instance, the teeth 13 a are positionedalong a perimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2, and the teethreceiving members 13 b are positioned along a perimeter portion 30 a ofthe bottom member 3. However, in other instances, the teeth 13 a may bepositioned along a perimeter portion 30 of the bottom member 3, and theteeth receiving members 13 b may be positioned along a perimeter portion20 of the top member 2.

As depicted with respect to FIGS. 3F and 3G, there are three teethregions positioned along the perimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2.Each teeth region may include one or a plurality of teeth. In thisinstance, each teeth region 13 a includes a plurality of teeth. Theteeth 13 a extend laterally and internally toward the internal cavity ofthe housing away from the longitudinal length of the interior perimetermember 20 a of the top member 2. The teeth 13 a are configured for beingreceived within corresponding teeth receiving members 13 b of the bottommember 3.

Consequently, as depicted, there are three teeth receiving regions 13 a,positioned along the interior perimeter, e.g., interior bounding member,30 a of the bottom member 3. As depicted, the teeth receiving members 13b are configured as apertures within which the teeth 13 b may be fitted.Accordingly, as the top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3 theteeth 13 a of the three teeth regions interface and engage with thecorresponding teeth receiving members 13 b of the three teeth receivingmember regions of the bottom member 3. Consequently, the housing 1 istherefore formed by the coupling of the top member 2 with the bottommember 3 and sealed by the clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 as well asclasping mechanisms 13 a and 143 b joining together. It is noted that invarious embodiments, either clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 or 13 a and 13b may be provided individually by themselves or in combination asdepicted in FIGS. 3G and 3H. Additionally, although clasping mechanisms13 a and b have been described herein as being positioned around theperimeter portion in 3 different regions, they can be so positioned inmore or less than three regions, so long as they are capable ofproviding a liquid proof and shock proof sealing thereby.

Accordingly, it is to be noted that the teeth and teeth receivingmembers may have any suitable configuration so long as they are capableof interacting with one another so as to couple the top and bottommembers of the housing together. Hence, the number, size, and locationof the teeth and/or corresponding teeth receiving members may vary. Forexample, one long tooth or several short teeth may be included. Theteeth may be positioned along the entire perimeter portion or any numberof sub-portions thereof. As depicted, there are three teeth regionspositioned along three sides of the top member. However, the teeth canbe positioned on the bottom member instead of the top member and/orwhere desired one, two, three, or more teeth regions can be includedalong one, two, three, or more sides of the top or bottom member.

Likewise, one long tooth receiving member or several short teethreceiving members may be included. The teeth receiving members may bepositioned along the entire perimeter portion or any number ofsub-portions thereof. As depicted, there are three teeth receivingmember regions positioned along three sides of the bottom member. Theteeth receiving members are configured so as to correspond to andinteract with the teeth members so as to secure and seal the housingwhen the top and bottom members are coupled together. It is to be notedthat the teeth and/or teeth receiving members can be positioned oneither or both of the top or bottom members as well as on the interioror exterior perimeter portions, as desired.

FIGS. 3I and 3J provide another embodiment of a housing 1 of thedisclosure, however, in this instance, the top member 2 does not includea front membrane 25. Rather, an additional gasket 15 b is providedbetween the interface of a perimeter portion 20 and the front surface125 of a housed device 100. This additional gasket 15 b functions toprevent liquid from entering through the top housing member where thehousing interfaces with the front screen 125 of a housed device.

Specifically, the housing includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3that are configured for being coupled together, as described above, soas to form the housing 1. However, it has been found that the clampingforce generated by the top and bottom member clasping mechanisms, asdescribed herein, is sufficient to create a liquid proof seal at the topmember device interface, such that a top surface membrane 25 is notnecessary. The inclusion of an additional gasket, or even an adhesive,at the top member device interface, is sufficient to produce a water anddirt proof seal.

Accordingly, as depicted in FIGS. 3I and 3J, the top surface of the topmember 2 includes a top surface perimeter portion 20 c that at leastpartially circumscribes a top perimeter portion of the top member 2.This top surface perimeter portion 20 c may be fabricated from anysuitable material such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic, such aspolycarbonate. It may cover a larger or a smaller portion of the topsurface of the top member, but typically does not cover the entire topsurface. Rather, a windowless window region is provided so that a usermay have direct access to the touchscreen of an underlying device.

As can be seen with respect to FIGS. 3I and 3J the gasket circumscribesa substantial portion, e.g., an entire portion, of the perimeter portion20 c thereby providing a circumferential seal between the perimeterportion 20 c and the front screen of a housed device. For instance, asthe top member 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3, the clasping forceis sufficient to compress the gasket 15 b between the perimeter portion20 c and the front screen of a housed electronic device therebygenerating a liquid and dirt proof seal there between. The gasket 15 bmay be attached to the top member 2, e.g., to the top surface perimeterportion 20 c by an sufficient mechanism, such as by the addition of anadhesive.

It is noted that in this embodiment, the top surface perimeter portion20 c would cover a substantial perimeter portion of a housed electronicdevice, so as to cover the non-capacitive interactive front screenportion of a typical housed device. These non-capacitive interactiveportions of the housed device typically include additional features suchas button feature 140, sound outlet feature 144, video lens feature 147,and proximity sensor 148. Accordingly, the top surface perimeter portion20 c may be configured to include corresponding feature elements, asdescribed herein, to allow these underlying functionalities of a houseddevice to continue to function. For instance, the top surface perimeterportion may include one or more of additional features such as buttonfeature 40, sound outlet feature 44, video lens feature 47, andproximity sensor 48, as described herein. For example, with respect tobutton feature 40, the button element 40 may be comprised as a cutoutregion in the top surface perimeter portion and a gasket portion 15 bthat has been formed to fill the aperture created by the cutout region.The top surface perimeter portion 20 c may be optically clear, opticallyopaque, a mixture of the two, and/or screen printed so as to include oneor more decals. Further, as depicted the gasket member 15 bcircumscribes the entire top surface perimeter portion 20 c, however, incertain instances, it need not circumscribe the entire perimeterportion.

FIGS. 3K-3L provide another embodiment of a housing of the disclosure.In this embodiment, there are three different housing elements that maybe applied to device to be housed individually or in combination, eachadding a different layer of protection. For instance, as can be seenwith respect to FIG. 3K, in certain embodiments, a housing 1 of thedisclosure may be composed simply of a top member 2, which in thisinstance, is comprised of a membrane. The membrane 2 includes severalportions that are designed to be attached to an electronic device 100and folded there around so as to provide a modicum of shock and scratchresistance for the underlying device, e.g., to a front or back surfacethereof, and also to provide waterproof protection.

As depicted, the housing 1 includes several features that may or may notbe included in a final embodiment. For instance, in certain instances,the membrane 2 may include a face, form fitting portion 25 that isconfigured to be attached to the front screen portion 125 of anelectronic device 100. It further may include a plurality of internal oredge perimeter portions 20 a, which internal perimeter portions 20 a areconfigured for being attached to side edges of an underlying device 100.It may additionally include a plurality of external perimeter or backportions 20 b, which external perimeter portions 20 b are configured forwrapping around and covering a back portion 135 of a housed device.

The membrane 2 may include a plurality of additional feature elements asdescribed herein. For instance, the internal perimeter edge portions 20a of membrane 2 may include a bumper portion, such as a portioncomprised of a flexible material, such as a rubber or TPE material.Further, the edge portions 20 a may include formed button 99 a and b orswitch features, which features may be formed into the membrane 2 or theside bumper portions, if included. The front surface of the membrane 25may include one or more of a button feature 40, a sound transmissionportion 44, a proximity sensor portion 48 and/or or a video or cameraportion 47. These portions may be formed into the membrane 25 in amanner such as that described above. In certain instances, for instance,the home button element 40 may simply be an formed indented region onthe front surface membrane 25 or it may be an added feature such as arubber or TPE formed button. The membrane 2 may additionally include top22 and/or bottom 21 foldable regions, which regions may be configuredfor folding over top or bottom edge portions 22 and 21 respectively.

It is to be noted that although the membrane 2 is depicted as havingside wing portions 20 a and 20 b as well as top and bottom foldableportions, in various embodiments, one or more of these portions may beomitted or configured differently. For instance, in certain instances,the top 22 and bottom 21 foldable portions and/or the side wing portions20 a and b, need not be included. In other embodiments, the side wingand/or top and/or bottom foldable portions are provided, but the frontmembrane portion 25 is omitted. When included, the top and bottomfoldable portions 22 and 21 may be configured to cover various featuresof an underlying device 100, such as a headphone 150 or charge port 170feature, or they may include openings coincident with the same, and thusbe configured to interact with one or more plug or cover elements (suchas those described herein) that are designed to be fitted within theport feature and interact with the membrane 2 so as to provide a liquidand/or dirtproof sealing of the port feature, such as described above.

The membrane 2 may be configured for being attached directly to anelectronic device to be housed, or it may be employed in combinationwith one or more other structural elements. For instance, in variousinstances, the membrane 2 may be adhered directly to an electronicdevice 100 to be housed, e.g., via an adhesive or static pressure or thelike, or it may be attached to an external framework 3, such as thatprovided in FIG. 3L, which framework 3 is coupled to the electronicdevice 100 prior to the application of the membrane 2 to the framework3. In such an instance, the housing 1 would be comprised of a bottommember framework 3 to which a top member membrane 2 is attached so as toform the housing 1.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 3L, in certain embodiments, ahousing 1 of the disclosure may be composed simply of a perimeterframework member 3, which in this instance, is comprised of a rigid orsemi-flexible material, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, TPE,rubber, and the like. The framework 3 includes several portions that aredesigned to be coupled to an electronic device 100 and/or folded therearound so as to provide a modicum of shock and scratch resistance, suchas to the edges, of the underlying device, and may also provide amodicum of waterproof protection.

As depicted, the housing 1 includes several features that may or may notbe included in a final embodiment. For instance, in certain instances,the framework 3 may include a form fitting top 32 and bottom 31 member,which members are configured for being fitted over a distal and proximalportion of an underlying electronic device 100. The proximal 31 anddistal 32 cap members may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid orflexible material so as to be formfitting to the proximal and distalportions of the electronic device to be housed. The proximal 31 anddistal 32 cap members may additionally include one or more features soas to accommodate corresponding features of an underlying device 100.For instance, a proximal 31 or distal 32 end portion may include one ormore of an accessory, e.g., headphone, inlet port 50, a soundtransmission port 60, a charger port 70, and the like. These featuresmay be formed into the housing member as described herein.

In various instances, the framework member 3 may additionally include aback member 35, which back member may be integral with the end capmembers 31 and 32, such as where the framework member is composed of aflexible or semi-flexible material, or may otherwise be attachablethereto, e.g., where the framework member is composed of a rigidmaterial such as polycarbonate. As depicted the back framework member 35does not cover the entire back portion of a housed device 100 or theside portions. However, in various embodiments, the framework member 3may include a back member 35 that covers a substantial portion if notthe entire back portion and/or may include perimeter, e.g., side edge,portions as well. As depicted, the back member 35 further includes awindow portion and further includes a lens portion 80 with a camera andflash lens set therein.

The framework member 3 may be configured for being attached directly toa device 100 to be housed and used by itself as a housing 1 or it may beconfigured for being used in conjunction with one or more other housingelements, such as in conjunction with one or more of a membrane, e.g.,front membrane, portion 2, and/or with a an over-framework portion 4,such as that provided with respect to FIG. 3M.

FIG. 3M provides an external framework feature 4 that may be employed asa housing 1 by itself or in combination with a membrane 2 and internalframework portion 3, as described herein. As depicted, the externalframework portion 4 includes a back member (not shown), which backmember is configured for cradling an electronic device 100 to be housedand/or for interacting the membrane 2 and internal framework 3 so as todo the same. The back member includes a plurality of clip portions,which clip portions are configured for wrapping around respective edgesof a device 100 to be housed therein. In this instance, there are fiveclip portions, a distal clip portion 4 a, proximal clip portions 4 b and4 c, as well as side clip portions 4 d and 4 e. Although 5 clip portionsare provided herein, in other instances 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or more clipportions may be provided. The external framework portion 4 may befabricated from any suitable material, such as a rigid, semi-rigid, oreven flexible material. However, in this instance the external frameworkmember 4 is composed of a semi-rigid material that is capable of flexingin such a manner that the clip portions may be snapped over the edges ofa device 100 so as to be retained therein. The back member may also beconfigured for being associated with one or more other features, such asa belt clip member, a bike clip member, an armband member, and the like.It may also include a cut out portion to accommodate a lens portion orspeaker or microphone portion of an underlying device.

As mentioned, the membrane 2, internal framework member 3, and externalframework portion 4 are configured for either being used separately,e.g., by being directly attached to a device 100, or may be used incombination with one or both of the others. Accordingly, one or more ofthe housings disclosed herein can be packaged separately or together forinstance as a kit.

FIG. 4 provides several different variations for a housing of thedisclosure. FIG. 4A provides a top member 2 having a clasping mechanism27, and a bottom member 3 having a clasping mechanism 37. In thisembodiment, the top member 2 and bottom member 3 may be comprised ofperimeter portions, however a front and/or back surface of the housing,such as a front 25 and/or 35 back membranes, may also be provided inaddition to the perimeter portions 2 and 3. A gasket 15 may also beincluded. The top 2 and bottom 3 member and/or gasket 15 maycircumscribe an electronic device. An adhesive 26 may also be providedso as to join the top 2 and bottom 3 members together along with thegasket 15 and front screen 125 of a housed electronic device 100.

FIG. 4B provides a close up view of a latching mechanism of thedisclosure. A top member 2 and a bottom member 3 are provided. The topmember 2 includes an interior perimeter portion 20 a and an exteriorperimeter portion 20 b. The interior and exterior perimeter portions maybe composed of the same or different materials. For instance, theinterior perimeter portion may be composed of a stiff plastic, such aspolycarbonate, and the exterior perimeter portion 20 b may be composedof a more flexible material such as TPE. The top member 2 additionallyincludes a clasping mechanism 27. The clasping mechanism 27 may includea stiff element, such as a polycarbonate. The bottom member 3 may alsoinclude an interior and exterior member. As depicted a perimeter portion30 is provided. The perimeter portion 30 includes a clasping mechanism37 c, which clasping mechanism may be configured as one or moreapertures or grooves that are adapted for receiving the claspingmechanism 27 of the top member, which clasping mechanism may beconfigured as a ridge member or one or more teeth members. The claspingmechanism 27 of the top member 2 may be held within the claspingmechanism 37 by an elastic force provided by the flexible material ofthe exterior perimeter portion 20 b. The perimeter portions of the top 2or bottom members 3 may be flat or substantially curved.

FIG. 4C provides a close up front and side view of two differentembodiments of a perimeter portion clasping mechanism 37 c of FIG. 4B.As can be seen with respect to FIG. 4C, the clasping mechanism 37 c maybe configured as a receptacle, such as for a corresponding toothlikeclasping mechanism 27 of a top member, or it may be configured so as toinclude one or more groove elements. Front views and side views aredepicted.

FIG. 4D provides another embodiment of a suitable clasping mechanism ofa housing of the disclosure. The housing includes a top member 2, havinga clasping mechanism 27 that may be foldable, and a bottom member 3,having a clasping mechanism 37 that may be foldable. A further perimeterportion 4 may be included, which perimeter portion 4 may include aplurality of clasping mechanisms 4 a and b. The perimeter portion 4 andclasping mechanisms 4 a and b may be designed to receive the claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 of the top 2 and bottom 3 members respectively. Acompressible gasket 15 may also be provided between the perimeterportion 4 and a perimeter of a housed device, such that as the top andbottom members are coupled with perimeter portion 4, e.g., snappedtogether, the gasket may be compressed causing a tension to be exertedagainst the clasping mechanisms thereby locking them into place. Anadditional clasping member 6 may further be coupled to the top, bottom,and perimeter members for further security. Additionally, one or moreadhesive members 25 may be included for additional security and astronger attachment. In this manner, by assembling the housing awatertight seal may be provided.

FIG. 4E provides another embodiment of a housing 1 of the disclosure.The housing 1 includes a top member 2, a bottom member 3, and aperimeter member 4. The top and bottom members may be comprised of asemi-flexible or flexible material and the perimeter portion may becomposed of a rigid member. The top member 2 may include a claspingmechanism 27 which corresponds to a clasping mechanism 4 a on theperimeter member 4. The bottom member 3 may include a clasping mechanism37 which corresponds to a clasping mechanism 4 b on the perimeter member4. One or more gaskets 15 may also be included. In various embodiments,the top and/or bottom members may be fabricated from a rigid orsemi-rigid plastic or metal, such as a pressed or formed metal. Theperimeter portion may composed of a plastic such as a rigid plastic likepolycarbonate or a more flexible material such PTE. In this embodiment,a front and/or back membrane need not be included.

FIG. 4F provides a side view of the housing 1 of 4E as it would be whenassembled around an electronic device 100, such as a mobile telephone.The housing 1 includes a top member 2, a bottom member 3, and aperimeter member 4. Clasping mechanisms 27 c are shown as they would bewhen the top, bottom, and perimeter portions are assembled together andclasping mechanisms 27, 37, 4 a, and 4 b are coupled together so as toseal the housing 1 around the device 100 in a waterproof sealing.

FIG. 4G provides another similar embodiment to that of FIG. 4E. In thisembodiment, both the top member 2 and the bottom member 3 includeundulating clasping mechanism 27 and 37 having either male or femalelocking elements, and the perimeter member 4 also includes correspondingfemale and/or male locking elements 4 a and 4 b, such that as the top 2and bottom 3 members are coupled, e.g., snapped, together the male andfemale locking elements are joined thereby sealing the housing 1 aroundthe device 100 in a watertight seal.

FIG. 4H provides another embodiment of FIG. 4E with a modifiedconfiguration, this time without an intervening perimeter member 4between the top 2 and bottom 3 members. In this embodiment, the topmember 2 and the bottom member 3 include corresponding claspingmechanisms 27 and 37 that are configured for being coupled togetherthereby forming and sealing the housing 1 around a device 100. In thisembodiment, the top and bottom members may additionally include severaladditional standoffs, e.g., 16 a, b, c, d, etc. One or more gaskets 15may additionally be included. The top 2 and/or bottom 3 member mayfurther include one or more bumper portions 8 b, such as TPE cornerbumper portions that are inserted between one or more hard plastic,e.g., polycarbonate, exterior portions 8 a.

FIG. 4I provides another embodiment of a housing of the disclosure. Thehousing includes a top member 2 having a clasping receptacle 27 a, and abottom member 3 having a clasping receptacle 37 b. The top member 2 andbottom member 3 are coupled together and sealed by the addition of anadditional clasping mechanism 27 c, which may include a plurality of endportions configured for being inserted within and thereby attaching tothe clasping receptacles 27 a and 37 a. The clasping mechanism 27 c maybe configured as a flexible, e.g., spring, clip member that whenassociated with the top 2 and bottom 3 members, the housing 1 is formedand sealed in a liquid-proof sealing. The top 2 and bottom 3 members mayfurther include an additional locking mechanism. For instance, the top 2and bottom 3 members may include additional corresponding male andfemale clasping mechanisms 27 b and 37 b, which are configured for beingcoupled together and thereby seal the members of the housing 1 together.In various embodiments, the top and bottom members are configured suchthat as they are joined they form a channel 10 into which a gasket 15may be inserted. A waterproof adhesive may also be employed at a housingdevice interface to effectuate the sealing. In this embodiment a frontsurface membrane need not be included as an adhesive may be used to sealthe top member 2 with the front screen 125 of the electronic device 100.

FIG. 4J provides another embodiment of FIG. 4H, however, in thisembodiment, when the top 2 and bottom 3 members are coupled together,the channel 15 is formed on a top surface of the housing 1, rather thanon a bottom surface of the housing 1. It is also noted that in thisembodiment, the top 2 and bottom 3 members include correspondingclasping mechanisms 27 and 37 that are configured for being coupledtogether so as to seal the housing in a watertight sealing. In thisembodiment an external clipping mechanism 27 c is not provided, however,if desired the top and bottom members could be configured so as toinclude an additional clasping mechanism configuration as embodied inFIG. 4I.

FIG. 4K provides another embodiment of FIG. 4H wherein the top 2 andbottom 3 members include extended clip receiving elements 27 a and 37 arespectively. An external clipping mechanism 27 c is also provided. Inthis embodiment, the top 2 and bottom 3 members are configured for beingcoupled together in such a manner that as the housing 1 is formed clipreceiving elements 27 a and 37 a are aligned. When so aligned, the clipmechanism 27 c may be slid over the corresponding clip receivingelements so as to lock the top and bottom members together and therebyprovide a liquid-tight sealing for the housing 1. It is noted that theclip receiving elements and clip mechanism may additionally includecorresponding male and female elements so as to further secure thesnapping together of the housing members.

FIG. 4L provides another embodiment of a housing of the disclosure. Thehousing 1 includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3 that areconfigured for being coupled together by the joining of correspondingclasping mechanisms 27 and 37. A combination gasket and adhesive 26 mayfurther be provided so as to ensure a waterproof engagement between thehousing 1 and a housed device 100. In this embodiment, a binding clip 27c, as described above, is further provided to additionally secure thehousing. The clip element 27 c may be a clamping member that is flexibleenough to be fitted over the top and bottom members, but rigid enough soas to seal the two members together in a liquid proof seal.

FIG. 4M provides an alternative embodiment of a housing of thedisclosure. The housing 1 includes a top member 2 having a claspingmechanism 27 and a bottom member 3 having a clasping mechanism 37. Aclip element 4 is also provided. In this embodiment, the clip element 4includes locking elements that are configured so as to be coupled withcorresponding clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 respectively. Further, inthis embodiment, the clip element 4 includes an internal member 4 b andan external member 4 a. In various instances, both internal 4 a andexternal 4 b clipping members may include one or more apertures withinwhich a securing member 27 c, such as a screw member, may be joined soas to further lock the members of the housing together. The securingmember 27 c may be configured for being attached to the clip elementfrom a vertical or horizontal entry point.

FIG. 4N provides a front and back view of the housing of FIG. 4M,housing a device 100, with the screw elements 27 c locked into placealong a perimeter portion of the housing 1.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a top surface 25 of a top member 2 ofthe disclosure. The top surface 25 comprises a membrane. The membranemay be fabricated from any suitable material. The membrane is typicallytransparent, but may contain one or optically opaque regions. An opaqueregion may be entirely opaque or may include one or more opticallytransmissive regions. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 5A the membrane25 includes an optically transmissive region and an opaque region, whichopaque region includes two features, an optically clear region, e.g., aproximity sensor feature 48, and a button feature 40.

FIG. 5B illustrates several other features, and their components, whichmay be included in a top member, e.g., membrane 25, of the housing 1.These features include button feature 40 (or home aperture), an acousticaperture feature 44, a camera lens portion 47, and a proximity sensorportion 48.

In this embodiment, the button feature 40 includes a plurality ofsub-features. For example, the button feature 40 may include a buttonfeature membrane with a button feature first transition 41 thatinteracts with a button feature pivot 42 such that as the button isdepressed, the button feature pivot deforms. The button feature 40 mayalso include a standoff or actuator that is coupled to the buttonfeature membrane, such as to the underside of the button featuremembrane via a suitable adhesive. The button feature standoff may beconfigured such that as the button feature is depressed the standoffinterfaces with a button of an underlying device so as to effectivelymanipulate said button. The home button 40 may be fabricated in anysuitable manner such as being fabricated from component parts andassembled together, as described herein, or may be formed, such asthermal formed, in conjunction with the front membrane 25. Accordingly,it is to be noted that while in this embodiment the button feature 40 iscomposed of several different elements, in various other embodiments thebutton feature may simply be an indented portion, e.g., a thermallyformed indented portion, of the front membrane 25 circumscribed by araised region. Although not shown herein, in certain embodiments, aninward facing surface of the home button may include a standoff, such asan adhesive spacer element, that may function so as to allow the homebutton 40 better engage a home button 140 of an underlying device.

In various embodiments, the acoustic aperture feature 44 may becomprised of an acoustic exit aperture 49 that is overlaid withwater-impermeable gasket, e.g., an acoustic membrane or vent material45, which membrane material covers the acoustic aperture 49 therebypreventing the ingress of water there through while at the same timeallowing the transmission of sound. With respect to FIG. 5B, in thisembodiment, the acoustic aperture feature 44 includes a plurality ofsub-elements. For instance, the acoustic aperture feature 44 includes anacoustic membrane material 45 a, the acoustic membrane material 45 aincludes an acoustic exit aperture 49. The acoustic membrane material 45a is offset from the membrane 25 and attached therewith by an adhesivering 46 and is further associated with an acoustic vent material 45 b,which acoustic vent material is sound permeable but liquid impermeable.The acoustic vent material 45 b may be associated with the acousticmembrane material 45 a such that it covers the acoustic exit aperture 46so as to prevent the ingress of water there through while at the sametime allowing the transmission of sound.

The membrane 25 may also include video camera 47 and proximity sensor 48regions, which regions may be configured for interacting with a videocamera and proximity sensor of an underlying device. In this embodimentthe video camera and proximity sensor regions are optically clearregions. In various other embodiments, the camera region may include alens configured to be aligned with the camera lens of a housed device.

In certain instances, the proximity sensor 148 of the underlyingelectronic device 100, if included therein, is typically incorporatedinto the device, e.g., touch screen device, such that when the device isplaced close to the face of a user or bounds of a pocket or otherstorage element, etc. the touch capabilities of the touch screen 125 aredisabled, so as to prevent unintended operation of the touch interfaceby the face, ear, or other object. As can be seen with respect to FIG.5C, such proximity sensors 148 are typically comprised of an infra-redtransmitter 148 a, and an infra-red receiver 148 b to detect reflectionsfrom the infra-red transmitter from objects, such as a face or pocket,etc., that is in close proximity.

In certain instances, such as depicted in FIG. 5C, when the device 100is housed within a housing 1, an air-gap can develop between the screenor membrane 25 of the housing 1 and the screen surface 125 of theelectronic device 100 having the proximity sensor 148, thereby causingthe proximity sensor 148 to detect a reflection of its own beam,resulting in a false trigger of the proximity sensor, and consequentlyunintended disabling of the touch screen interface 125.

In certain embodiments, the housings 1 of the present disclosure mayovercome these problems in a variety of ways, as depicted in FIG. 5C.For instance, an unintentional air-gap may be prevented and/or reduced,thereby mitigating the false-triggering of the proximity sensor 148, inone or more of the following ways. An optically transparent member 48 a,e.g., spacer, of a determined thickness may be molded or otherwiseadhered to the membrane 25 to fill the air-gap. The adhesive could beany suitable adhesive, such as, in certain instances, the adhesive couldbe glue, adhesive tape, heat-welding, molding, static cling, surfacetension, and/or the like. Further, a physical deformation 48 b may beadded to the membrane 25 so as to form the optically clear region of theproximity sensor portion 48 of the membrane 25 to reduce the air-gap.Such a depression may be performed with cold-pressing, or bythermo-forming the membrane. Additionally, the membrane 25 may beover-formed to provide a continuous positive tension thereon. Also, amember of double-sided optically clear adhesive with a pre-determinedthickness can be applied to membrane 25, and then the membrane 25 may beadhered to the screen of the electronic device 100 to completelyeliminate the air-gap. The adhesive may be formed by surface tension,static cling, viscous fluids, adhesive, and/or the like.

FIG. 5D is a cross section view of the membrane 25 of FIG. 5A. Asdepicted in FIG. 5D the top surface membrane 25 spans from one side 23of the top member 2 to the other side 24 of the top member. The membrane25 may include a raised ridge portion 43 which circumscribes themembrane 25. The raised ridge portion may be configured for interfacingwith a perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2 in a manner such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 6 below. In certain embodiments, themembrane 25 is flat across its surface and therefore the perimeterportion 43 of the membrane 25 is not a raised ridge portion.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, in certain instances, the membrane25 may include an interior portion and an outer perimeter portion 43,such as a portion that may interface with a perimeter portion, e.g., ofthe housing 1, e.g., top member. As described above, the perimeterportion 20 of the top member 2 may include a plurality of sub-portions,such as a first sub-portion or interior perimeter portion 20 a thatincludes an interior membrane interfacing member, and a secondsub-portion or exterior perimeter portion 20 b that includes an exteriormembrane interfacing member. The membrane 25, therefore, may beconfigured such that it spans from one side of the perimeter 23 toanother 24 in such a manner that the back surface of the membrane 25associates with at least a portion of the interior membrane interfacingmember of the interior perimeter portion 20 a, and the front surface ofthe membrane 25 associates with at least a portion of the exteriormembrane interfacing member of the exterior perimeter portion 20 b. See,for instance, FIG. 6 below.

FIG. 6. Illustrates an exemplary embodiment of how the membrane 25 ofFIG. 5D may associate with the perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2.As can be seen with respect to FIG. 6A the membrane 25 includes aninterior portion that spans across the top member 2 and a perimeterportion 26 that interfaces with the perimeter portion 20 of the topmember 2. The perimeter portion 20 of the top member 2 includes aninterior perimeter portion 20 a that includes an interior membraneinterfacing member; and an exterior perimeter portion 20 b that includesan exterior membrane interfacing member.

The membrane 25 is configured such that it spans from one side 23 of thetop member to the other side 24 of the top member 2. The membrane has afront surface 25 a and a back surface 25 b. The back surface of themembrane 25 b associates with at least a portion of the interiormembrane interfacing member of the interior perimeter portion 20 a oftop member 2; and the front surface of the membrane 25 a associates withat least a portion of the exterior membrane interfacing member of theexterior perimeter portion 20 b of top member 2.

In this embodiment, the interior perimeter portion 20 a comprises anunder-moulded material, such as a rigid material, for instance, a rigidplastic, metal, polycarbonate, and the like, that is fabricated in afirst moulding process; the membrane 25 is then added and attachedthereto; and the exterior perimeter portion 20 b comprises anover-moulded material, such as a semi-flexible material, such as rubber,TPE, polyethylene, or the like, that is fabricated in a second mouldingprocess, for instance, after the rigid interior perimeter portion 20 ahas been fabricated and the membrane 25 attached thereto. Hence, oncethe rigid first perimeter portion 20 a has been fabricated, the membrane25 may be applied from one side of the perimeter 23 to the other 24 andattached thereto, such as by an adhesive layer. Subsequently, thesemi-flexible or flexible exterior perimeter portion 20 b may befabricated and applied to the interior perimeter portion 20 a and over aperimeter portion 43 of the membrane 25, e.g., in an over-mould process.

In such an instance, the interior perimeter portion 20 a of the topmember 2 includes an interior or back surface membrane interfacingregion which associates with a back surface of the membrane 25 b, eitherdirectly or through an intermediary adhesive layer(s); and the exteriorperimeter portion 20 b includes an exterior or top surface membraneinterfacing region that associates with the top surface of the membrane25 a, either directly or through an intermediary adhesive layer(s). Inthis undermould/overmould process the membrane 25 is secured to theperimeter portions in a liquid-proof seal. It is noted that as depictedthe membrane 25 includes an exterior perimeter ridge feature 26,however, in certain embodiments this ridge feature need not be included.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross section of a side portion of the device ofthe disclosure. Depicted therein are sides 23 and 33 of top and bottommembers 2, 3 respectively of the housing 1. With respect to top sidemember 23 of top member 2, the side member 23 comprises a perimeterportion 20 of the top member 2. The perimeter portion 20 in thisembodiment includes an interior perimeter portion 20 a and an exteriorperimeter portion 20 b. The interior perimeter portion 20 a isfabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material. A membrane 25 spansacross from one side 23 of top member 2 to another side 24 (not shown).The membrane 25 includes a front or top surface 25 a and a back orbottom surface 25 b. The back or bottom surface of the membrane 25 b ismoulded or otherwise attached to the interior perimeter portion 20 a.

For instance, the membrane 25 may be attached to the interior perimeterportion 20 a via a suitable adhesive or directly via the fabrication,e.g., moulding, process. The exterior perimeter portion 20 b isfabricated from a flexible or semi-flexible material. The exteriorperimeter portion 20 b may be associated with the interior perimeterportion 20 a by various means known in the art, such as by a moulding,e.g., overmoulding, process. The front or top surface of the membrane 25a is moulded or otherwise attached to the exterior perimeter portion 20b. For instance, the membrane 25 may be attached to the exteriorperimeter portion 20 b via a suitable adhesive or directly via themoulding process. In this manner the membrane 25 is attached to theperimeter portion 20 to form a reliable, tight seal. It is to be notedthat although a particular embodiment has been depicted, various aspectsof the configuration may be changed without digressing from the depictedembodiment. For instance, in certain instances, the membrane 25 may beattached directly to the rigid frame 20 a of the perimeter portion 20 ofthe top member 2, while the flexible outer perimeter portion 20 b is notovermoulded therewith but is adapted so as to be removable therefrom. Agasket, such as a circumferential gasket may or may not be includedtherewith.

FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment of how the membrane 25 associates witha top side portion 23. The top side portion 23 includes an interiorperimeter portion 20 a, which portion comprises a rigid framework bodythat can be fabricated in a first process. The membrane 25 can then beattached either directly during the fabrication process, e.g., themoulding process, or indirectly through the addition of one or moreintervening adhesive layers, e.g., 25 c and d. In certain embodiments,the one or more adhesive layers need not be included.

In one embodiment, once the rigid internal framework 20 a has beenfabricated and the membrane 25 attached thereto, a second, more flexibleperimeter portion 20 b may be fabricated and overlaid or otherwisemoulded over the interior perimeter portion 20 a and membrane 25. Incertain instances, the membrane 25 may be attached to the perimeterportions 20 a and/or b via one or more adhesives 25 c and/or d. In amanner such as this a liquid-tight seal is produced between the membrane25 and the perimeter portion 20, wherein the interior perimeter portion20 a interfaces with a bottom surface 25 b of membrane 25 (e.g., viaadhesive 25 c), and an outer perimeter portion 20 b is configured withrespect to the top member 2 such that it interfaces with a top surface25 a of the membrane 25 (e.g., via adhesive 25 d).

FIG. 6D depicts a further embodiment of the overmoulded top member 2 ofFIG. 6C. The rigid interior member 20 a is fabricated such as from ahard polycarbonate material and a membrane 25 is associated therewith,e.g., by the application of an intervening adhesive. Any suitableadhesive or molecular bonding material may be employed. Once themembrane 25 has been attached to the rigid body 20 a, a second moreflexible member 20 b, e.g., a semi-flexible or flexible material such asTPE, may be fabricated and molded over both the rigid body 20 a and aperimeter portion 26 of the membrane 25, so as to circumscribe theperimeter thereof. In this manner the internal rigid body 20 a will givethe top member 2 a strong internal framework and the flexible externalbody 20 b will provide a layer of shock absorbance to the top member 2.Furthermore, an over-moulding process such as this will enhance thebonding of the membrane 25 to the external and internal bodies 20 a, bof the perimeter portion 20 thereby enhancing reliability of the sealand ensuring that the seal is liquid-proof.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 6D, the rigid interior perimeterportion 20 a of top member 2 includes a clasping mechanism 27 that isdesigned to associate with a corresponding clasping mechanism 37 of theexterior perimeter portion, e.g., bounding member 30 b, of the bottommember 3 in a liquid tight seal. The liquid tight seal is furtherinsured by the presence of the gasket 15 within the channel 10 of bottommember 3. For instance, as the clasping member 27 of the interiorperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 slides into the channel 10 ofthe bottom member 3 so as to associate with its corresponding claspingmember 37 of the exterior bounding member 30 b, a portion of theinterior perimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 contacts and pressesdown on the gasket 15 thereby compressing the gasket and furtherinsuring a liquid tight seal therewith. In this embodiment, the claspingmember 37 of the exterior perimeter portion 30 b is formed as acircumferential groove that circumscribes at least a portion of thechannel 10. Hence, the clasping mechanism 27 of the interior perimeterportion 20 a of the top member 2 is configured for at least partiallybeing received within the groove 27 so as to be coupled therewith andtherefore at least partially circumscribes the channel 10 when the topmember 2 is coupled to the bottom member 3.

Also depicted is top surface membrane 25, which top surface membrane 25includes an acoustic vent feature 44, which acoustic vent feature 44includes an acoustic exit aperture 49 that is overlaid withwater-impermeable gasket, e.g., an acoustic membrane 45, which membranematerial covers the acoustic aperture 49 thereby preventing the ingressof water there through while at the same time allowing the transmissionof sound. In this instance, the acoustic membrane material 45 is offsetfrom the membrane 25 and attached therewith by an adhesive ring 46.Further depicted is lens feature 80 positioned on a back surface member35 of bottom member 3. The top surface 35 a of bottom surface member 35also includes standoffs 16. As depicted, the standoffs are illustratedas bump portions 16, although in certain instances they may beelongated, raised line members, which may be positioned anywhere alongan interior portion 35 a of the bottom member 3, such as in a centralportion of the bottom member 3. For instance, the bottom member 3 mayinclude a plurality of parallel raised standoff members in the centerportion of the bottom member 3. Such a position may be optimal formaximizing sound resonance without creating increased distortion.

FIG. 6E illustrates an overmould process as described above. Thismanufacturing process may be employed for fabricating the members of thehousing. First a rigid interior structure 20 a is fabricated from arigid material such as polycarbonate. Second, a membrane 25, such as anIMD-PET film, may be provided. In certain instances, the film ormembrane may include one or more graphics thereon and in such anembodiment, the graphics, such as 3D graphics, may be printed on thefilm. The membrane is then cut to size and loaded into a fabricationtool. The membrane, e.g., film, is then associated, e.g., overmoulded,with the rigid polycarbonate structure 20 a. The membrane 25 may includea hard or semi-hard coating which may be positioned so that the hardcoat is facing up. This surface may be hard to bind to. This coating maybe positioned on a top surface of the membrane 25 a, so as to be facingup. The rigid material perimeter structure 20 a, and in certainembodiments the membrane 25 may then be overmoulded with a more flexiblematerial, such as with TPE, to form a more flexible outer perimeterportion 20 b. For instance, an additional, semi-rigid or semi-flexiblematerial 20 b, such as TPE, may be added over the rigid material 20 aand a perimeter 26 of the membrane 25. In this manner the membrane 25may be attached to the rigid internal structure 20 a of the housing 1and a more flexible second structure 20 b may be moulded there over soas to form a secure seal therewith.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 6A-E, the perimeterportion 20 of the top member 2 of the housing 1 may include a pluralityof sub-portions, a first sub-portion being an interior perimeterstructure portion 20 a with a membrane interfacing region, e.g., aregion that interfaces with a perimeter portion 26 of the bottom of thefront membrane 25 b; and a second sub-portion being an exteriorperimeter flexible portion 20 b with an additional membrane interfacingregion, e.g., a region that interfaces with a perimeter portion 26 ofthe top of the membrane 25 a. Hence, the membrane 25 is configured suchthat it spans from one side 23 of the perimeter to another 24 in such amanner that the back surface 25 b of the membrane associates with theinterior perimeter portion 20 a at the membrane interfacing region; andthe front surface 25 a of the membrane 25 associates with the exteriorperimeter portion 20 b at the membrane interfacing region. The membranemay further comprise one or more surface features as described herein.

For example, in certain embodiments, the top or bottom member mayinclude a front and/or back surface, wherein the top and/or back surfacecomprises a membrane, the membrane may be a single or a plurality ofmembranes associated with one another. The membrane may include one ormore features, such as features that allow the housing to accommodateparticular features of an underlying device to be housed therein. Suchfeatures may include an acoustic membrane feature, button feature, aproximity sensor aperture, a video camera aperture and/or lens feature,and/or the like.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIGS. 6F-6H, the membrane 25may include a plurality of features, such as an acoustic membranefeature 44, a lens feature 47, and a proximity sensor feature 48. FIG.6F provides a cut-away view of the housing 1. The acoustic membranefeature 44 may include an acoustic exit aperture 49 in the membrane 25to which a second membrane 45, e.g., an acoustic membrane, may becoupled, such as in an offset fashion. However, in this embodiment, anacoustic membrane 45 is not attached. Rather, the acoustic aperture 49is left open. The lens feature 47 may include a lens, such as a videocamera lens, as described herein below with reference to the bottommember 3, or it may include an optically transparent region. In thisembodiment, the lens feature is simply an optically clear region. Theproximity sensor feature 48 may include an optically transparent regionand/or may include a proximity sensor gasket 17. In this embodiment, aproximity sensor gasket 17 is not included.

Additionally, although not depicted herein, a spacer element, such as along strip of adhesive tape may be applied to a back surface 25 b of thetop membrane 25. The space may run along one or more sides and may runsubstantially all the length or a lesser portion thereof. Such a spacerelement could be useful for creating a slight gap between the backsurface 25 b of the front membrane 25 and the front surface 125 of ascreen of an electronic device 100. This gap may be useful for a numberof reasons such as for enhanced sound transmission, such as that causedby allowing sound to more freely resonate between the front membrane 25and the front screen 125 of a housed device 100, and/or for preventing a“rainbow,” or Newton ring, from forming due to the internal reflectionof light that may be caused by the front membrane 25 sticking to thefront surface of a housed electronic device. Although the spacer elementis described as being an adhesive strip, it may have any of a number ofconfigurations so long as it is capable of attaching to a front membrane25 or a perimeter portion 20 and capable of preventing Newton rings(e.g., reflective rainbow circles) from forming between the frontmembrane 25 and the screen of a housed device.

FIG. 6G depicts the top member 2 back surface membrane 25 b of thehousing 1 as depicted in FIG. 6F, wherein a liquid proof acoustic ventmembrane 45 is attached to the acoustic vent portion 44, and a spacergasket 17 is attached to the proximity sensor portion 48. As can beseen, the top member 2 comprises a membrane 25. The membrane 25 includesa plurality of regions. A first region, e.g., a center region, includesan optically clear region through which the touchscreen interface of atouchscreen electronic device may be interacted with; and a secondregion, e.g., a perimeter region, that is masked so as to be opaque. Inthis embodiment, the opaque region is not entirely opaque but includes aplurality of optically clear regions, such as video camera opticalaperture 47 and a proximity sensor 48. The opaque region also includesan acoustic vent feature 44 having an acoustic aperture 49 covered by awater-impermeable gasket 45.

In this embodiment, a water impermeable acoustic membrane 45 is attachedto the membrane 25 enclosing the aperture 49 in a liquid proof sealingthat allows sound to pass there through but not water. In a manner suchas this sound from a speaker portion 144 of an underlying device 100 maybe transmitted through the aperture 49, but liquid cannot. The proximitysensor feature 48 not only includes an optically transparent region itfurther includes a proximity sensor gasket 17. The proximity sensorgasket 17 functions to reduce if not entirely eliminate the reflectionof light from the membrane 25 being directed back to the proximitysensor 148 of an underlying device thereby activating it, such asdescribed with reference to FIG. 5C. The gasket 17 may have any suitableconfiguration, but in various instances it may be configured tocircumscribe the proximity sensor region 48 and may further include atransecting element that travels from one perimeter to the other so asto transect the gasket. This transecting region may function to furtherprevent the membrane 25 from activating the proximity sensor 148 of anunderlying device 100.

FIG. 6H provides a cut-away, close up view of the acoustic membranefeature 44 of FIG. 6F. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 6H a membrane25 is depicted. The membrane 25 includes an aperture 49 configured forallowing sound to exit through the top member 2 of the housing 1. Theaperture 49 is overlaid with a secondary membrane, such as an acousticmembrane 45. The second membrane 45 is offset from the first membrane 25and attached thereto by an adhesive rim 46. The second membrane 45 ispermeable to sound but not to liquid, such as water.

For instance, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 6H, the adhesive rimmay further be configured as a spacer 46 that may be adhered to theacoustic membrane 45, e.g., along a perimeter thereof, so as to offsetthe acoustic membrane 45 from the membrane 25. Accordingly, in certaininstances, a spacer may be included and adhered to the acoustic membrane45 and the membrane 25 by an adhesive. In other instances, a spacer neednot be included, rather, the acoustic membrane 45 may be offset from themembrane 25 by the mere presence of the adhesive.

The second membrane 45 may be an acoustic membrane that is transmissiveto sound and/or gas but not to liquids or solids. For example, theacoustic membrane 45 may be a semi-permeable membrane such as GorTex®.The adhesive may be any suitable adhesive and may be applied to thesecond, e.g., acoustic membrane, 45 so as to attach it to the firstmembrane 25. As such, the acoustic membrane 45 will allow sound totravel through the acoustic exit aperture 46 of the membrane 25 at thesame time as keeping liquid, e.g., water, and dirt from passing therethrough. As depicted, the acoustic membrane 45 includes two portions 45a and 45 b. The first portion 45 a includes an opening therein and isattached directly to the underside 25 b of the front membrane 25 in sucha manner that the openings aligned. An adhesive spacer 46 is positionedon top of the membrane 45 a and is further attached to an additionalwater impermeable membrane 45 b, which membrane 45 b spans the openingsin membranes 45 a and 25. The acoustic membrane 45 b covers the acousticvent aperture 49 so as to prevent the ingress of liquid, such as water,but to allow the egress of sound out of the housing 1.

A common feature of electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, is anavigation button, e.g., a home button, that when manipulated allows auser to navigate through various menus contained within the programmingof the underlying device. Accordingly, a housing 1 of the disclosure mayinclude a front surface 25 having a corresponding navigation interfacefeature, such as a button feature 40. As can be seen with respect toFIGS. 7A (a)-(f), in certain embodiments, the front surface of the topmember 2 may be a membrane 25 having a button feature 40.

FIG. 7A illustrates three various embodiments of a button feature 40that may be employed with the housing 1 of the disclosure. The buttonfeature 40 may have any suitable configuration so as to allow themembrane 25 of the top member 2 to effectively interact with anunderlying button feature 140 of an encased device 100, e.g., withoutsubstantial deformation of the membrane 25.

For instance, the button feature 40 may simply be a specificallydesigned detent that is integral with the membrane material 25, or itmay be an additional feature added to the membrane, such as a featurethat includes a layer of stiff or flexible material that has beenmolded, adhered, or otherwise attached to the membrane 25 as a buttonarea. If the button feature 40 is an additional feature to be added tothe front membrane 25, the button feature may be configured such thatthe button feature does not increase the thickness of the membrane 25 soas not to decrease the functionality and aesthetics of the housing 1.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 7A (a) the top surface 25 of thehousing 2, e.g., the membrane, such as a PET membrane, includes anindented region 40 that is at least partially surrounded by a raisedridged or pivot region 42, which pivot region 42 may be associated withat least a first transition 41. The indented button feature 40, thefirst transition 41, and the pivot region 42 are configured such that asthe button feature 40 is depressed, the ridged pivot region deforms 42allowing the indented portion to travel without causing substantialstretching of the membrane 25 outside of the button region. In certainembodiments, the pivot region 42 comprises a ridged circumference thatcan be adapted so as to create a pivot point with an increased pivotradius.

Accordingly, in a manner such as this the button feature 40 may bemanipulated in such a manner that it interfaces with a navigation region140 of an underlying device 100 thereby allowing a user to easilynavigate through the various menus of an encased device. As can be seenwith respect to FIG. 7A (a) and (b), a three dimensional form of abutton feature 40 may be present in the top surface 25 of the housing 1,e.g., the membrane. For instance, the membrane 25 may include anindented region that may or may not be surrounded by a ridgedcircumference having a first and/or second transitions 41 and 42,respectively.

For example, where a ridged circumference is included, the ridgedcircumference may have a first transition 41 and may further have asecond transition 42, such that the ridged circumference surrounds aflat or an indented button surface of the button feature 40. As thebutton surface is depressed, at least the first transition 41 of theridged region deforms thereby allowing the indented portion to travelwithout causing substantial stretching of the membrane 25 outside of thebutton region 40.

Additionally, the ridged circumference can be adapted so as to create apivot point 42 with an increased pivot radius. See FIG. 7A (b). As thebutton surface is depressed, the first transition 41 of the ridgedregion deforms pivoting about the second transition 42 which furtherallows the indented portion to travel without substantially stretchingthe membrane 25.

In a further embodiment, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 7A (c) and(d), the button feature 40 may be configured as a substantially flatsurface or a surface having a minor detent therein and having a formedor attached nipple associated with a back surface of the membrane 25 b.The nipple may be positioned in the direct center of the button featureor may be offset therefrom, e.g., so as to accommodate differentfeatures of a home button and/or different configurations thereof. Inthis embodiment, an indented region and/or ridged circumference 42 isnot included. Rather, the first transition 41 is linear and sharpthereby creating a sharp pivot interface. Further, as seen with respectto FIG. 7( c) and (d), the button feature 40 is substantially flat allthe way across but includes a nub or nipple on an underside of themembrane 25 that may be pressed into the button of the underlying devicewhen the button feature is depressed. The button feature 40, firsttransition 41, and nipple are configured such that as the button feature40 is depressed, the membrane 25 flexes along the sharp pivot 41 and thenipple interfaces with the navigation button 140 of an underlying device100 thereby allowing a user to navigate through the various menus of anencased device.

In an additional embodiment, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 7A (e)and (f), the button feature 40 may be configured as a raised membranemember 40 having a knob associated with a back surface of the membrane25 b. The knob feature may be positioned in the direct center of thebutton feature or be offset therefrom. In this embodiment, a ridgedcircumference is not included. Rather, the first transition 41 is raisedand the membrane 25 is stretched over the knob. The button feature 40,raised first transition 41, and knob are configured such that as thebutton feature 40 is depressed, the raised membrane portion is loweredand the knob interfaces with the navigation button 140 of an underlyingdevice 100 thereby allowing a user to navigate through the various menusof an encased device. Hence, the button feature 40 may include a raised,but depressible knob portion having the membrane 25 material stretchedover it. The knob portion may be positioned so as to allow the buttonfeature to interact with the button 140 of an underlying device 100.

FIG. 7B provides a side cut-away, cross section view of a housing 1 ofthe disclosure, showing the indented button feature 40 of FIG. 7A (a).The housing 1 includes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3. The topmember 2 includes a front surface, which in this embodiment is composedof a flexible membrane 25. The front membrane includes a button feature40, which button feature includes a pivot edge 41 and a raised pivotridge 42. The button feature 40 is indented and configured to interfacewith the “home” or “menu” button of an encased device. The pivot ridgeportion 42 is raised and at least partially circumscribes the buttonfeature 40 so as to accommodate the travel pursuant to the button 40being depressed. For instance, as the button 40 is depressed, pivot edge41 flattens and pivot ridge 42 extends downwards.

The top member 2 further includes a charge port feature 70 on itsproximal end 21. The charge port feature 70 includes a charge portopening 71 a, which charge port opening is covered by a charge portlatch cover or door 71 b. The charge port opening 71 a is bounded by abounding member. The bounding member may be formed of any suitablematerial and may be in any suitable shape.

For instance, the charge port bounding member may be composed of thesame material from which the interior and/or exterior perimeter portions20 a and/or b are made. Hence, the charge port bounding member may beintegrally formed along with the interior perimeter portion 20 b and/orfurther formed along with the exterior perimeter portion 20 b. Incertain embodiments, the charge port bounding member may be integrallyformed along with the stiff and/or rigid interior perimeter portion 20 aof the top member 2 so as to form a charge port opening 71 a. A secondflexible perimeter portion 20 b may then be overlaid upon the rigidinterior perimeter portion 20 a, wherein a charge port cutout may be cutinto the flexible perimeter portion 20 b so as to at least partiallybound the charge port opening 71 a of the interior perimeter portion 20a.

However, in certain instances, as depicted in FIG. 7B, the charge portbounding member may include a plurality of materials from which thecharge port opening 71 a is composed. For instance, the charge portopening 71 a may be bounded by a plurality of materials having adifferent stiffness. For instance, a first bounding material may be astiff material 72 which material is provided to give structure to thecharge port opening 71 a. A second more flexible material 73 may beincluded which material is configured for receiving a portion of acharge port door gasket 78.

The charge port feature 70 may further include a charger port door 71 bthat may include a charge port door gasket 78. Together the charge portdoor 71 b and gasket 78 function to provide a waterproof sealing of thecharge port orifice 71 a. For instance, in this embodiment, the chargeport bounding member includes a charge port door latch ramp receivingmember 76, and the charge port door 71 b includes a corresponding chargeport door latch ramp 77. The charge port door latch ramp 77 isconfigured for being received within the charge port door latch rampreceiving member 76 thereby latching the charge port door 71 b to thebounding member. Thus, when the charge port door 71 b is closed, thegasket 78 covers the charge port opening 71 a thereby effectivelysealing the opening 71 a and preventing the entrance of liquid therethrough. The gasket may be composed of any suitable compressiblematerial, which if desired may be further overlaid with a less flexiblerubber material so as to provide greater resilience to the gasket 78.

The charge port door 71 b is configured for opening and closing so as toallow and/or prevent access to the charge port opening 71 a. Hence, thecharge port feature 70 may further include a charge port axle 74. Thecharge port door 71 b therefore may be configured to include an axlereceiving orifice 75 though witch the axle 74 is fitted. In a mannersuch as this, the charge port door 71 b may be rotated about the axle 74from an opened to a closed position thereby permitting access to thecharge port opening 71 a, when in the opened position, or preventingaccess thereto by providing a waterproof seal when the charge port door71 b is in the closed position.

Also depicted is bottom member 3. The bottom member 3 may include aperimeter portion 30 having a channel 10 therein. The channel 10 may bebounded by an interior perimeter portion 30 a and an exterior perimeterportion 30 b. The bottom member 3 is configured for being connected tothe top member 2, such as via corresponding latching mechanisms 27 and37, so as to form a waterproof sealing of the housing 1. Specifically,the top member 2 may include an interior perimeter portion 20 a thatfurther includes an internal clasping mechanism 27. The exteriorperimeter portion 30 b of the bottom member 3 may include the claspingmechanism 37. The clasping mechanisms 27 and 37 may be configured forbeing coupled together so as to clasp the top 2 and bottom 3 memberstogether thereby forming the housing 1.

To further insure a waterproof sealing, a channel 10 may also beincluded along a perimeter portion of the housing 1. The channel 10 mayinclude a gasket 15 positioned therein. Accordingly, as the interiorperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 is aligned with the exteriorperimeter portion 30 b of the bottom member 3, and the correspondingclasping mechanisms 27 and 37 are coupled together, the interiorperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 compresses the gasket 15within the channel 10 of the bottom member 3 thereby creating awaterproof sealing of the housing 1.

Also depicted on a front surface 35 a of bottom member 3 are standoffs16. In certain embodiments, a bottom or top member may include one ormore stand-offs 16. For instance, in certain embodiments, such as forincreased shock protection and/or sound transmission, a top and/orbottom member may include one or more preformed standoffs 16, such as onan interior surface of the top 2 or bottom member 3. As indicated above,the stand-offs 16 can be configured with a size, shape, andconfiguration so as to enhance the transmission of sound throughout thehousing 1.

FIG. 7C provides a close up view of another embodiment of the buttonfeature 40. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 7C, in variousembodiments, a top member 2 and/or a bottom member 3 may include thechannel 10, which channel 10 may include gasket 15. For instance, inthis embodiment, the top member 2 includes an interior perimeter portion20 a, wherein the interior perimeter portion 20 a is further configuredto include an interior channel bounding member 20 a 1 and an exteriorchannel bounding member 20 a 2. In this instance, the exterior channelbounding member 20 a 2 includes clasping mechanism 27, and the exteriorperimeter channel bounding member 30 b of bottom member 3 includescorresponding clasping mechanism 37. However, in various instances, thisconfiguration could be reversed. Accordingly, where included, thechannel 10 of the housing 1 may be included in either a top member 2 ora bottom member 3 or in both top and bottom members 2 and 3respectively.

In certain embodiments, a bottom member may additionally include one ormore features. For instance, although a top or bottom member may includea lens feature, in certain instances, the bottom member 3 includes alens feature 80. For example, FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of aback surface 35 b of a bottom member 3. The bottom member 3 includesboth distal and proximal end portions 31 and 32 as well as bottom sideportions 33 and 34. A camera portion 80 is also included. The cameraportion 80 may include one or more of a raised lip portion 81surrounding an optical skirt 82. The optical skirt 82 is configured forhousing at least a camera lens region 83 having a camera lens thereinand may additionally include a flash lens region 85, having a flash lenstherein. Either lens can be replaced by an optically transmissiveregion.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a top and/or a bottom member 2, 3may include a camera portion 80 having a lens feature, such as a cameraand/or flash feature 83 and/or 85 respectively. In typical cases, a lensand/or flash feature is not provided. Rather, there is simply anoptically transmissive region provided. Such a region may be problematicbecause it may interfere with the clarity of pictures taken by a cameraand/or flash of a housed device. For instance, where a flash isprovided, an unprotected optically clear region may allow thetransmission of light incident to the camera lens of the underlyingdevice thereby causing pictures taken to be washed out. In otherinstances, the camera portion simply comprises a cut-out portion of thecasing through which pictures may be taken. However, this is not idealas it may prevent the case from being water resistant. If a cameraand/or lens is to be provided in a housing of the disclosure, it may beso provided in such a manner as to be stepped up from the housing. This,however, may not be ideal because it may be hard to clean, easy toscratch, and hard to protect.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 8A in certainembodiments, a lens feature 80 is provided wherein one or more lenses,such as a camera 83 and/or a flash 85 lens, are positioned within thetop 2 or bottom 3 member of the housing 1 so as to be integral therewithand not substantially stepped up there from. The lens feature mayinclude a lens 83 for a camera and/or another lens 85 for a flash, andmay further include an optical skirt 82 surrounding the one or morelenses so as to prevent inerrant light transmission, e.g., to reduceinternal reflection and thereby reduce flair.

In fabricating a lens feature, the one or more lenses may be pressedinto the top or bottom member, so as to be pressed flush against thehousing material. Such a fabrication method may be better than moldingbecause typical molding process using rubber and other such materialsare difficult with respect to glass due to the difference in thermalexpansions and contraction. Further, it is difficult to make such sealswatertight.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, a housing containing a lens element isprovided wherein one or more lenses are provided therein. The lenses maybe designed to have a diameter that is less, equal, or greater than thatof the lenses provided in the underlying device. In fabricating ahousing member having a lens element, the housing member may befabricated, e.g., molded, and a suitable lens provided separately. Amandrel, or other such tool, may then be employed to press the lensfeature into the housing member. This will give the lens feature aclean, well fit interface with the surrounding material of the housingmember. The lens feature should be configured such that the transitionis flush with no cavities between the lens feature and the housingmaterial.

In certain instances, the camera feature 80 may include an elastomermaterial into which one or more lenses may be pressed. The elastomer maybe configured so as to form an optical divider separating one lens fromanother, such as a camera lens from a flash lens. Such optical dividermay be useful in preventing radiating light from one lens, such as aflash lens 85, from impinging into the other lens, such as the cameralens 83. The elastomeric lens containing material may then be addeddirectly to the bottom member 3 or may be added to another material,such as an optically clear plastic material, which plastic material maythen be attached to the bottom member 3, e.g., via an adhesive. Forexample, a bottom member 3 may be fabricated, such as from apolypropylene material, wherein the bottom member 3 includes a lensfeature orifice. A lens containing elastic material may then befabricated, as described above. A plastic base member may be fabricatedand the lens containing elastic material may then be inserted therein.The plastic material may then be attached to the polypropylene bottommember 3, e.g., via adhesive, so as to cover the lens feature orifice.It is to be noted that the elastomeric skirt may completely circumscribethe lens, e.g., the camera lens 83 or flash lens 85, or may partiallycircumscribe the lens, such as in a tong like configuration.

Also depicted in FIG. 8A is latch door 71, described above, as well assound inlet and outlets 60 a and b, described herein in greater detailbelow.

FIG. 8B provides a cut-away cross section view of the lens feature 80,e.g., camera feature, of FIG. 8A. In this embodiment, the lens feature80 is provided on a bottom member 3 of the housing 1, although invarious other embodiments, the lens feature 80 may be provided on a topmember 2. The camera feature 80 includes a raised lip portion 81 thatsurrounds an optical skirt 82. The optical skirt 82 includes a cameralens orifice 84 containing a camera lens 83 and a flash lens orifice 86containing a flash lens 85.

FIG. 8C provides a close up view of the lens feature of FIG. 8B. Thecamera feature 80 includes a raised lip portion 81 that surrounds anoptical skirt 82. This configuration provides a liquid proof interfacebetween the bottom housing 3 and the camera feature 80. The opticalskirt 82 includes a camera lens orifice 84 containing a camera lens 83and a flash lens orifice 86 containing a flash lens 85, wherein theoptical skirt is configured for preventing the transmission of lightfrom one lens to another.

FIG. 8D provides a top-down view of the lens feature 80 of FIG. 8Cshowing the interior of the bottom housing member 3. The lens feature 80includes an optical skirt 82. The optical skirt 82 includes a cameralens orifice 84 containing a camera lens 83 and a flash lens orifice 86containing a flash lens 85. It is to be noted that in this embodiment aflash lens 85 is provided, however, in other embodiments, a flash lensneed not be present. Rather, a simple optically clear transmissiveregion may be provided instead. The optical skirt 82 may be configuredso as to prevent the transmission of light from the flash to the cameralens.

FIG. 8E provides a cut-away view of the optical skirt 82 of FIG. 8Dshowing the camera lens region 84 and the flash lens region 86.

FIG. 8F provides a cut-away cross-section view of the optical skirt 82of FIG. 8E, showing the camera lens orifice region 84 with camera lens83 and the flash lens region 86 with flash lens 85.

FIG. 8G provides a cross section view of the optical skirt 82 of FIG. 8Fshowing the interior of the bottom housing member 3. The optical skirt82 includes a camera lens orifice 84 containing a camera lens 83 and aflash lens orifice 86 containing a flash lens 85.

FIG. 8H provides an illustration of the lens 83 and lens skirt 82interface of the housing 3. The lens skirt 82 includes a concentricbaffle detail which provides an enhanced field of view for the lens 83.Also provided is an illustration of a suitable camera lens 83 and flashlens 85.

FIG. 8I provides an illustration of a camera lens 83 to be fitted withina camera lens aperture 84 of an optical skirt 82.

FIG. 8J provides an illustration of a flash lens 85 to be fitted withina flash lens aperture 84 of an optical skirt 82.

As described briefly above, in certain embodiments, the housing mayinclude a port opening, such as an electrical interface port, forinstance, or a charge port. To ensure increased protection of theunderlying device, such as to protect the underlying device from dirt,liquid, snow, shock, etc., the housing may additionally include a portcover latch that is capable of opening and closing so as to cover andseal the port opening. The port and/or latch cover may be positioned,for instance, along a perimeter of the housing, such as at a proximal ordistal end or a side thereof. In certain instances, the port and portcover latch is a shock and water resistant latch port cover. The portand latch cover may be positioned on a top or a bottom perimeter memberof the housing and may be configured for spanning across from one sideof the opening to another.

For example, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 9A, in certaininstances, a latch feature 70 may be positioned on a proximal end of thehousing 1. The latch feature 70 includes a port or latch openingbounding member 71 a, having a port opening therein, and may furtherinclude a latch cover 71 b. The port opening bounding member 71 acircumscribes the opening, wherein the opening may be configured toreceive a charge member for charging an underlying electronic device.The latch feature 70 may also include a latch cover 71 b that isconfigured for covering the latch opening bounding member 71 a. In thisembodiment, the latch opening bounding member 71 a is formed integrallywith an interior perimeter portion 20 b of the top member 2, whichperimeter portion forms a port opening.

The latch feature 70 and port opening bounding member 71 a may have anysuitable configuration. In one embodiment, the latch feature 70 ispositioned entirely in one of the upper 2 or lower 3 housing members.Consequently, all of the latch feature components will be positionedentirely on that housing member. In an alternative embodiment, asdepicted in FIG. 9A, the latch feature 70 is configured for spanningfrom one housing member, e.g., 2, to the other housing member, e.g., 3.Thus, the opposing housing members 2 and 3 will have corresponding latchfeature interfaces that are configured for engaging the latch cover 71 bso as to seal the port opening bounded by 71 a. In either instance, theport opening bounding member 71 a includes an opening, and the portcovering 71 b, e.g., a latch cover, is configured for moving from anopen to a closed position so as to cover the port opening.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 9A, the latch feature 70 isconfigured for spanning from one housing member 2 to the other housingmember 3. Accordingly, each of the housing members 2, 3 will includecorresponding latch interfaces. For instance, the latch feature boundingmember 71 a is positioned within the proximal end portion 21 of topmember 2, and the latch feature cover 71 is positioned upon the proximalend portion 31 of bottom member 3. The latch feature 70 also includes aplurality of latch cover interfaces, such as a latch cover connector 74,which connector 74 connects the latch cover 71 b to the bottom member 3.

The latch cover connector 74 may have any suitable configuration so longas it is capable of interfacing with a latch cover 71 b, connecting thelatch cover 71 b to a top 2 or bottom 3 member, and facilitating themovement of the latch cover 71, such as from an opened to a closedposition. In this instance, the latch cover connector 74 is configuredas a latch axle that is positioned on the proximal end portion 31 of thebottom member 3. The latch cover connector 74 is positioned below thelatch feature bounding member 71 a, which is contained in top member 2.The latch cover connector 74 is configured for engaging the latch cover71 b via a latch connector orifice 75 so as to assist the latch cover 71b in moving from an opened to a closed position, where in the closedposition the latch cover 71 b spans the opening bounded by the latchcover bounding member 71 a. Thus, the moving of the latch cover 71 bfrom an opened to a closed position results in the covering and/orsealing of the opening bounded by the latch cover bounding member 71 a.In this instance, the latch cover 71 b is configured for rotating aboutthe latch cover connector 74.

Above the latch cover bounding member 71 a is another latch coverinterface that is configured for engaging the latch cover 71 b so as tosecure the latch cover 71 b in a closed position. In this instance, thelatch cover interface above the latch cover bounding member 71 a is alatch ramp receiving member 74, which latch ramp receiving member 74 isconfigured for engaging a corresponding latch ramp interface portion 77of the latch cover 71 b when the latch cover is in the closed positionthereby securing the latch cover 71 b in the closed position. Asdepicted, the latch ramp receiving member 74 is positioned on the topmember 2 above the latch port opening bounding member 71 a.

In certain embodiments, the closing of the latch cover 71 b closes theport opening in a liquid-tight seal. To ensure a liquid-tight seal, thelatch feature 70 may have one or more additional features. For instance,the latch feature 70 may include a gasket 78, such as an O-ring or otherdepressible gasket. For example, as depicted in FIG. 9A, the latch cover71 b includes a gasket 78, which gasket is of a dimension so as to befitted within the opening of the latch opening bounding member 71 a suchthat as the latch cover 71 b is moved from an opened to a closedposition, the gasket 78 is fitted within the port opening, therebysealing the port. In other embodiments, the gasket 78 is configured fornot fitting entirely within the latch port opening, but rathersurrounding it.

As depicted in FIG. 9B, the latch opening bounding member 71 a includesa gasket interface surface 73 that is positioned in such a manner so asto interact with the gasket 78 a and thereby provide a watertight sealwhen the latch cover 71 b is in the closed configuration, e.g., when thelatch ramp interface 77 is coupled to the latch ramp 76. One or more ofthe gasket seat 73 and gasket 78 a may be positioned on a latch coverbounding member 71 a or may be positioned on a latch cover 71 b or both.In certain embodiments, the gasket 78 a may further include anover-gasket 78 b, which over gasket may be less compressible, lessporous material, such as rubber, laminated material, or elastomeric orformed elastomeric material, so as to effectuate a firmer sealing of thelatch feature 70.

To facilitate this interaction, in certain embodiments, it may bebeneficial for the housing member, e.g., housing member 2, having theport opening bounding member 71 a therein to include an additional rigidstructural feature 72, which structural feature 72 may be positioned insuch a manner as to provide increased structural integrity to the portopening bounding member 71 a and thereby provide additional support forthe port opening. For example, in certain instances, when there is aport opening bounding member 71 a in a top member 2 of the housing 1,the port opening may have a tendency to make the immediate surroundingmaterial weaker. Therefore, a rigid support material 72 may beassociated with this material so as to support the region surroundingthe port opening.

Without the inclusion of the rigid support material the top and bottomportions surrounding the opening may be forced away from one anotherthereby compromising the ability of the opening to be sealed in awatertight manner. In such an instance, the rigid stiffening materialmay be added so as to insure the integrity of the port opening. Incertain instances, this reinforcing is accomplished without thickeningthe material of the housing member because this might result in makingthe overall housing thicker, wider, and/or longer, although it can bedone in this manner.

In an alternative embodiment, therefore, as provided in FIG. 9B, a rigidelement 72 is added to the top member 2 having the port opening 71 atherein. For instance, an injection molded stiffener, such as astainless steel, magnesium, rigid plastic component, polycarbonate, orthe like may be included in the top member 2 and associated with thematerial surrounding the port opening 71 a so as to provide increasedrigidity thereto, thereby maintaining the physical integrity of the portopening and preventing flexing. It is to be understood that although theabove has been described with respect to the port opening beingpositioned in the top member 2, the port opening can be positioned inthe bottom member 3 as well with consequent changes to the other latchfeatures.

Accordingly, FIG. 9B provides a cut-away view of the proximal end of thehousing 1 having the latch feature 70 of a housing of the disclosure.The latch feature 70 includes a port opening bounding member 71 a havinga latch cover 71 b. As depicted, the top member 2 includes the portopening bounding member 71 a having a latch ramp receiving member 76associated therewith. The latch opening bounding member 71 a bounds anopening, e.g., a port opening, in the top member 2. The bottom member 3includes a latch axle, e.g., a pivot axle 74. A latch cover 71 binterfaces with the pivot axle 74 on the bottom member 3 via axlereceptacle 75. The latch cover 71 b additionally includes a latch rampinterface portion 77 that interfaces with the latch ramp receivingmember 76 of the port opening bounding member 71 a of the top member 2.Accordingly, when the latch cover 71 b is in the closed position thelatch ramp interface portion 77 couples with the latch ramp 76 to closeand/or seal the port opening. It is to be noted, in this embodiment,both the top and bottom members 2 and 3 include corresponding channelmembers 10.

FIG. 9C depicts a cross section of a latch feature 70 of the disclosure.The latch feature 70 is in a closed position. Depicted is a bottommember 3, having a back surface 35 b and a proximal end 31 perimeterportion 30. The bottom member 3 includes a channel 10, which channel isbounded by bounding members 30 a and b. The channel 10 includes a gasket15. The bottom member 3 also includes a pivot axle 74.

A latch cover 71 b is also provided. The latch cover 71 b interfaceswith the pivot axle 74 on the bottom member 3 via a pivot axle interface75. The latch cover 71 b therefore includes a pivot axle interface,e.g., configured as an axle orifice 75. The axle orifice 75 isconfigured for receiving the pivot axle 74 therein. The interactionbetween the pivot axle 74 and the pivot orifice 75 allows the cover 71 bto rotate about the axle 74 so as to move from an open to a closedposition. Additionally, the latch cover 71 b includes a latch rampinterface portion 77 that interfaces with the latch ramp receivingmember 76 of the latch opening bounding member 71 a of the top member 2so as to secure the latch cover 71 b in the closed position.

Accordingly, also depicted is top member 2 having a top surface membrane25. The top member 2 includes a proximal end portion 21. The proximalend portion 21 includes an outer perimeter portion 20 b, which outerperimeter portion is comprised of a semi-flexible material, and aninterior perimeter portion 20 a, which interior perimeter portion iscomprised of a rigid material.

The proximal end portion 21 of the top member 2 also includes a portopening. The port opening is bounded by a port opening bounding member71 a. In this instance, the outer perimeter portion 20 b includes acutout portion, which cutout portion accommodates the port openingbounding member 71 a. The port opening bounding member 71 a maytherefore be contiguous with, e.g., formed by, the rigid materialcomprising the interior perimeter portion 20 a, or may be added thereto.

For instance, as depicted, the top member 2 may include a rigidstiffening member 72 which stiffening member may be associated with theport opening bounding member 71 a. For example, in certain embodiments arigid member 72 may be included around the port opening so as toincrease the dimensional integrity of the proximal end portion 21 of thehousing 2 surrounding the opening. The port opening bounding member 71 amay also include a gasket interface 73 that is configured forinterfacing with a gasket, such as a gasket 78 associated with a latchcover 71 b, e.g., a gasket that is dimensioned for fitting within orover the port opening and sealing the port opening when the latch cover71 b is in a closed position.

The port opening bounding member 71 a and/or rigid stiffener 72 of thetop member 2 may be formed from the interior perimeter portion 20 a ofthe top member 2, or may be one or more separate elements added thereto.Where the port opening bounding member and/or rigid stiffener 72 are aseparate element added to the proximal end 21 of the top member 2, theport opening bounding member 71 a and/or stiffener 72 may additionallybe configured for engaging the components of a bottom member 3 claspingmechanism 37. The port opening bounding member 71 a and/or stiffener 72,therefore, may be configured to include a clasping mechanism componentthat is configured for interfacing with the clasping member 37 of thebottom member 3. In this manner, the bottom member interfacing portionsof the port opening bounding member 71 a and/or stiffener 72 and/orgasket seat 73 are configured for maintaining the consistent sealingalong the perimeter of the housing 1.

The port opening bounding member 71 b further includes a latch rampreceiving member 76 that is configured for coupling with a correspondinglatch ramp interface portion 77 of a latch cover 71 b. Accordingly, whenthe latch cover 71 b is in the closed position the latch ramp interfaceportion 77 couples with the latch ramp receiving member 76 to closeand/or seal the port opening. The port opening bounding member mayadditionally include a gasket seating member 73, which member may be arigid, semi-rigid, or flexible member that is configured for interfacingwith a gasket 78 of the latch cover 71 b so as to provide a liquid-tightseal when the latch cover 71 b is in the closed position.

FIG. 9D provides a cross section view of the housing 1 set forth in FIG.9A. A top member 2 having a port opening bounding member 71 a isprovided, wherein the port opening bounding member 71 a is integrallyformed as part of the interior perimeter portion 20 a of the top member2 and forms a port opening which in part makes up the latch feature 70.The latch feature 70 also includes a latch cover 71 b positioned on thebottom member 3. The latch cover 71 b is in a closed position. The latchcover 71 b includes an axle orifice 75 that interfaces with the pivotaxle 74 on the bottom member 3. Additionally, the latch cover 71 bincludes a latch ramp interface portion 77 that interfaces with thelatch ramp receiving member 76 of the latch opening 71 a of the topmember 2 so as to secure the latch cover 71 b in the closed position.

FIG. 9E provides an angle view of the proximal end portion of thehousing 1 of FIG. 9D showing the latch assembly 70 having port openingbounding member 71 a, a latch cover 71 b, and a pivot axle 74. Asdepicted the latch cover 71 b is disassembled from the latch assembly 70and disassociated from the pivot axle 74. The port opening boundingmember 71 a is formed in conjunction with the interior perimeter portion20 a of the top member 2. As can be seen, the exterior perimeter portion20 b of the top member 2 has been cut away to make room for the latchfeature 70. However, in this embodiment, the port opening boundingmember 71 a includes a latch mechanism that is configured slightlydifferently than the latching mechanism of FIG. 9D. In this instance,the latching mechanism includes a latch ramp 76 that is configured asextended member that is adapted for associating with a correspondinglatch ramp receiving interface portion 77 of the latch cover 71 b. Thelatch cover 71 b further includes a depressible gasket 78.

FIG. 9F provides another cross section view of the proximal end portiondepicted in FIG. 9E, with the latching assembly provided in FIG. 9A. Thelatch assembly 70 includes a port opening bounding member 71 a and alatch cover 71 b having an axle orifice 75, wherein the latch cover 71 bis disassembled from the latch assembly 70 and the axle orifice 75 isdisassociated from the pivot axle 74. The port opening bounding member71 a is formed in conjunction with the interior perimeter member 20 a oftop member 2. As shown, the exterior perimeter portion 20 b of the topmember 2 has been cut away to make room for the latching feature 70.Accordingly, the rigid gasket seat 73 is comprised of the same materialas the port opening bounding member 71 a. It is understood that indifferent embodiments, the gasket seat 73 may be comprised of adifferent material than that of the interior perimeter portion 20 a ofthe top member 2, such as a semi-rigid or flexible material. The portopening bounding member 71 a additionally includes a latch rampreceiving member 76 that is configured for associating with the latchramp interface portion 77 of the latch cover 71 b. As depicted, aninterior sound transmission portion 60 b is also shown.

FIG. 9G provides a side cross section view of the proximal end portiondepicted in FIG. 9B. The latch assembly 70 includes a port openingbounding member 71 a and a latch cover 71 b having an axle orifice 75.The latch cover 71 b is disassembled from the latch assembly 70 and theaxle orifice 75 is disassociated from the pivot axle 74. The portopening framing member 71 a is formed and a rigid stiffener member 72and gasket seat 73 is then associated therewith. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, the top member 2 includes both a rigid stiffening member 72and a semi-rigid gasket seat 73, which members are associated with theport opening framing member 71 a.

As depicted, the rigid stiffening member 72 and/or gasket seat 73includes a gasket engaging portion that fits within the channel 10,e.g., between the interior and exterior bounding members 30 a and b ofthe bottom member 3, so as to contact and/or compress the gasket 15. Oneof the port opening framing member 71 a, rigid stiffener 72, and gasketseat 73 includes a clasping mechanism 27 that is configured for couplingwith the clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3 so as to maintaina consistent seal with the top and bottom members when they are coupledtogether to form the housing 1.

It is to be noted, however, in certain instances, the port openingbounding member 71 a and/or stiffening member 72 and or gasket seat 73may be fabricated so as to be fit within the interior perimeter portion20 a and/or exterior perimeter portion 20 b of the top member 2. In suchinstances, the port opening bounding member 71 and/or rigid stiffeningmember 72 and/or gasket seat 73 may not need to have these gasketengaging and/or clasping elements. For instance, where the interiorbounding member 71 a is fabricated in conjunction with the interiorperimeter portion of the top member 2. It is also to be noted that invarious instances, a separate port opening bounding member 71 and rigidstiffening member 72 may not be included, rather, in various instances,their separate functions may be fulfilled by a single port boundingmember that is rigid enough to bound the port opening without undulyincreasing the dimensions of the housing as a whole.

As depicted, a gasket interface 73 is also included. The gasketinterface is configured as a gasket seat that is adapted for interfacingwith a gasket, such as a closed cell form or solid gasket 78 associatedwith a latch cover 71 b. The gasket seating member 73 is configured forinterfacing with the gasket 78 of the latch cover 71 b and therebyprovides a liquid-tight seal when the latch cover 71 b is in the closedposition. In various instances, the gasket seating member 73 is the sameelement as the port opening bounding member 71 a and/or may be the samemember as a rigid stiffener 72.

FIG. 9H provides a proximal end exploded view depicted in FIG. 9F. Thelatch assembly 70 includes a port opening bounding member 71 a and alatch cover 71 b having an axle orifice 75, wherein the latch cover 71 bis disassembled from the latch assembly 70 and the axle orifice 75 isdisassociated from the pivot axle 74. The port opening bounding member71 b is formed in conjunction with the rigid stiffener 72 and the rigidgasket 73.

As can be seen, the port opening bounding member 71 a is configured toinclude a clasping mechanism portion 27 that is adapted for interfacingwith a corresponding clasping mechanism 37 of a bottom member 3. Theport opening bounding member 71 is configured for engaging the gasket 15and interior bounding member 20 a of channel 10 and is furtherconfigured for engaging the bottom member clasping mechanism 37. It isto be noted, however, that in certain embodiments the port openingbounding member 71 a may be formed in conjunction, e.g., integral, withan interior perimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2, and therefore incertain instances, the port opening bounding member 71 a does notinclude a separate rigid stiffener, gasket seat, and/or claspingmechanisms. The port opening bounding member 71 a additionally includesa latch ramp receiving member 76 that is configured for associating withthe latch ramp interface portion 77 of the latch door 71 b. Alsodepicted is a sound transmission port 60 b.

FIG. 9I provides a side cross section view of the latch feature 70positioned at the proximal end of the housing of FIG. 9A. As can beseen, the port opening bounding member 71 a is configured to include aclasping mechanism portion 27 that is adapted for interfacing with acorresponding clasping mechanism 37 of a bottom member 2. The portopening bounding member 71 a also includes a portion for engaging thegasket 15 and interior channel boundary member 20 b. The port openingbounding member 71 a further includes a latch ramp receiving member 76that is configured for associating with the latch ramp interface portion77 of the latch cover 71. The latch cover 71 is in the closed positionand the latch ramp receiving member 76 is coupled with the latch rampinterface 77. The gasket 78 a is further associated with anover-material 78 b, which material functions to provide increasedstructural integrity to the gasket 78 a.

FIG. 9J provides a side, close up, cross section view of the latch rampsealing surface 76 of the port opening bounding member 71 a, and thelatch ramp interface 77 of the latch cover 71 b. The latch cover 71 b isfurther associated with a gasket 78.

FIG. 9K provides a side, close up view of the port opening boundingmember 71 a showing the association between the rigid stiffener 72 andthe rigid gasket seat 73. The rigid stiffener 72 is configured so as toassist in maintaining the dimensional integrity of the bounding member71 a and to assure that a suitable sealing pressure is asserted betweenthe gasket seat 73 and the gasket 78 thereby insuring a liquid-proofseal when the latch cover 71 b is in the closed position. The boundingmember 71 a includes a portion for engaging the gasket 15 and interiorchannel boundary member 20 a, thereby ensuring a firm seal isestablished upon the coupling of the top and bottom members. Thebounding member 71 b also includes a clasping mechanism 27 for engagingclasping mechanism 37. As depicted, sound transmission port 60 b is alsoillustrated.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a perimeter portion of the housingmay include additional features, such as one or more sound portsconfigured for enhancing the transmission of sound through the housing.One such sound port is configured as an acoustic vent portion, whichacoustic vents are adapted for transmitting and/or directing sound therethrough such as toward a microphone portion, or away from a speakerportion, of an underlying electronic device housed within the housing.

For instance, the perimeter portion, such as a distal or proximal endportion, may include an acoustic vent feature for transmitting sound.The acoustic vent feature may include a sound channel having an acousticvent material positioned therein. The acoustic vent material may spanthe sound channel at an angle from 0 to 180 degrees in a forward orreverse direction. The sound channel may extend from an exterior portionof the perimeter to an interior portion of the perimeter and theacoustic vent material may transect the sound channel, e.g., at an anglewith respect to a centerline there through.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 10A, a proximal end portion of thehousing 1 may include one or more, such as a plurality of soundtransmission portions 60 a and b having a plurality of acoustic vents,for instance, a microphone acoustic vent 65 a and a speaker acousticvent 65 b. The proximal end portion of the housing may further include alatch feature 70 having a port opening latch cover 71 b and a coin slotfeature 18, which coin slot opening is configured for assisting in theseparating of the top member 2 from the bottom member 3.

FIG. 10B provides an interior outward view of the proximal end portionof FIG. 10A. As depicted the sound transmission portions 60 a and b arepositioned on the top member 2. However, it is understood that they mayalternatively be positioned on the bottom member 3. The proximal endportion 21 of the top member 2 includes a plurality of soundtransmission portions 60 a and b including a sound channel 66 a leadingto a microphone acoustic vent 65 a, and a second sound channel 66 bleading to a speaker acoustic vent 65 b.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 10B, the sound transmission portions60 are positioned within a top member 2 and traverse from the outside ofthe housing 1, through the exterior and interior perimeter portions 20a, b of the top member 2 and into the interior of the housing 1. Theacoustic channels 66 a, b include respective acoustic membranes 65 a, bthat transect the acoustic channels 66 a, b.

The housing surrounding the acoustic membranes 65 a, b may be configuredso as to be overmoulded therewith. Hence, the sound channels 66 a and bmay further include overmould portions 67 a, b, which portions areconfigured to interface with a perimeter portion of the membranes 65 a,b so as to be overmoulded therewith and thereby secure a liquid-tightseal between the housing and the acoustic membranes.

However, in various embodiments, elements 67 a, b may simply form agasket seat upon which acoustic vent membranes 65 a, b are positioned.Nevertheless, in this embodiment, as can be seen with respect to FIG.10B, the sound transmission channel 60 a channels sound to a microphoneportion of a housed device. In such an instance, it may be useful tohave an overmould portion, e.g., 68 a, which overmould portioncircumscribes the acoustic membrane so as to provide an interfacebetween the acoustic membrane 65 a and the speaker portion of anunderlying device. This interface may be useful for preventing theinternal transmission of sound from the speaker channel 60 b to themicrophone channel 60 a, which transmission could create interferencewith respect to the microphone portion of the underlying device.Additionally, such a raised, circumscribing element can also prevent thedegradation of sound entering the microphone channel 66 a by focusingand directing it to the microphone portion of an underlying device.

The acoustic membranes 65 a, b are transmissive for sound but arenon-transmissive for liquid. Thus, sound can travel through the soundchannels 66 a and b in the housing but liquid, such as water, cannotbecause it cannot pass through the acoustic vent membranes 65 a and b. Alatch feature 70 and latch cover 71 b are also provided on the proximalend of the housing 1 in between the two sound transmission portions 60 aand b.

FIG. 10C provides an exterior inward view of the proximal end portion ofthe housing 1 of FIG. 10A. The proximal end portion may include aplurality of sound transmission portions, e.g., 60 a and b, each ofwhich may include a sound channel 66 that is transected by an acousticmembrane 65. For instance, one sound transmission portion, such as 60 a,may be configured as a microphone transmission portion that includes asound channel 66 a leading toward a microphone portion of an underlyingdevice. The sound channel 66 a is transected by microphone acoustic vent65 a. The second sound transmission portion, such as 60 b, may beconfigured as a speaker sound transmission portion that includes a soundchannel 66 b leading toward a speaker portion of an underlying device.The sound channel 66 b is transected by a speaker acoustic vent 65 b. Itis understood that these positions could be reversed. One or more of thesound channels 66 a and b may further include a molded grill portion 68a and/or b, which functions to provide structural integrity to the soundchannel and/or support to the acoustic vent materials 65 a and/or b.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 10C, the acoustic vent portions 60and b are positioned within a top member 2 and traverse from the outsideof the housing 1 into the interior of the housing. However, they couldjust as well be positioned on a bottom member 3. The acoustic channels60 a, b include respective acoustic membranes 65 a, b and grilleportions 68 a, b, which grille portions are configured for providingadditional support for the acoustic membranes. A latch feature 70 andlatch cover 71 b are also provided on the proximal end of the housing 1in between the two sound transmission portions 60.

FIG. 10D provides a top-down, inside out view of the microphone acousticvent 60 a portion of a housing 1 of the disclosure. The acoustic ventportion 60 a includes a sound channel 66 a, wherein the sound channel 66a tappers toward a microphone acoustic vent material 65 a, which soundchannel is configured for directing sound toward a microphone portion ofan underlying electronic device housed within the housing 1. An acousticvent bounding member, e.g., an overmoulded skirt sea 67 a is alsoincluded and circumscribes the acoustic vent membrane 65 a. Forinstance, a portion of the acoustic vent material 65 a has beenovermoulded with a rigid material 67 a so as to facilitate the isolationand reduction of internal transmission of sound, such as from thespeaker vent portion, so as to prevent interference therewith, and mayfurther strengthen the seal between the housing and the acousticmembrane thereby ensuring the liquid-proof nature of the acoustic vent60 a. As indicated above, in various embodiments, the acoustic ventbounding member 67 may be configured simply as a gasket seat, whichgasket seat is adapted so as to be coupled with a suitable acoustic ventmaterial 65 a, e.g., via a suitable adhesive. Also provided is anadditional structural support, e.g., grille 68 a, which grille 68 aprovides additional structural integrity to the acoustic membrane 65 a.

FIG. 10E provides an inside view of the speaker acoustic vent portion 60b of FIG. 10C. The acoustic vent portion 60 b includes a sound channel66 a that tappers toward an acoustic vent material 65 b. An overmouldedacoustic vent bounding member 67 b, is also included, wherein thebounding member 67 b at least partially circumscribes the perimeter ofthe acoustic vent material 65 b so as to enhance the sealing contactbetween the housing and the vent material as well as providing anadditional contact for directing sound from a speaker portion of anunderlying device through the speaker sound channel 66 b. It is notedthat although in this embodiment a bounding member 67 b is includedherein, in various embodiments it need not be.

FIG. 10F provides a cross section of the speaker acoustic soundtransmission assembly 60 b. The assembly includes a sound channel 66 bfor transmitting and directing the transmission of sound toward anacoustic vent material 65 b. The acoustic vent material 65 b may be amembrane, such as a GoreTex® membrane, which membrane may be cantered atan angle from 0 to 180 degrees, such as from 90 to 180 degrees. Theacoustic vent material 65 b is bounded by an acoustic vent boundingmember 67 b that may be overmoulded therewith or fabricated prior toattachment of the acoustic vent material 65 b. The acoustic ventassembly 60 b may also include an acoustic grille 68 b to provideadditional structural integrity to the acoustic vent. It is to be notedthat although the sound transmission portions 60 are positioned on aproximal end of the housing 1, they could be positioned anywhere alongthe perimeter of the housing without departing from the nature of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10F provides a cross section of the microphone acoustic soundtransmission assembly 60 a. The assembly includes a sound channel 66 afor transmitting and directing the transmission of sound toward anacoustic vent material 65 a. The acoustic vent material 65 a may be amembrane, such as a GoreTex® membrane, which membrane may be cantered atan angle from 0 to 180 degrees, such as from 90 to 180 degrees. Theacoustic vent material 65 a is bounded by an acoustic vent boundingmember 67 a that may be overmoulded therewith or fabricated prior toattachment of the acoustic vent material 65 a.

In this embodiment, the acoustic vent bounding member 67 b has astraight horizontal edge configuration. However, in various otherembodiments, the edge of the acoustic vent bounding members 67 a and/or67 b may be slanted. Such a slanted edge could be useful so as to createan air gap, which air gap could be useful in directing sound toward thebottom or top of the case whereby increased sound amplification and ortransmission may result.

For instance, one or more air gaps may be positioned within the housing1 so as to direct sound to be emitted through the front or back surfaceof the housing thereby increasing surface of sound transmission. Forexample, the sound channels 66 a and b have a limited capacity fortransmitting sound there through. Placing one or more sound gaps, suchas along a sound channel perimeter portion 67 a and b, e.g., along a topor bottom facing surface, can act as a sound channel funneling soundtoward and through the larger top and/or bottom surface thereby actinglike sound resonator and enhancing the sound transmitting surface.Additional air gaps may be positioned along the top 2 and/or bottom 3members of the housing 1, e.g., along the circumference such as where afront 25 or bottom 35 surface meets a perimeter portion, so as toenhance sound transmission. In this manner at least 10%, for instance,at least 15%, such as at least 20%, for example, at least 30%, such asat least 40%, for instance, at least 50% of the sound energy emittedfrom a housed device may be directed and emitted from a front 25 or back35 surface of the housing.

The acoustic vent assembly 60 a may also include an acoustic grille 68 ato provide additional structural integrity to the acoustic vent. It isto be noted that although the sound transmission portions 60 arepositioned on a proximal end of the housing 1, they could be positionedanywhere along the perimeter of the housing without departing from thenature of the disclosure.

FIG. 10G provides a close up view of the acoustic vent assembly 60 b ofFIG. 10F. The vent assembly 60 b includes an acoustic port 66 bincluding a shaped channel leading to an acoustic membrane 65 b. Theacoustic membrane 65 b is overlaid with an acoustic grille 68 b andbounded by housing portion 67 b. The acoustic grille 69 a/acousticmembrane 67 a interface includes one or more air gaps to facilitate thetransmission of sound. Although not depicted herein, in variousembodiments, a vent assembly, such as vent assembly 60 b may include anadditional vent overlay or screen, such as a mesh scrim, which scrim maybe positioned over, e.g., attached to, the acoustic membrane, e.g., 65b, so as to reduce distortion, such as distortion from a speaker portionof a housed device. Such a scrim may be fabricated from any suitablematerial so long as it is capable of transmitting sound energy in anefficient manner, such as a thin plastic material membrane, whichmembrane may be adhesively attached or otherwise mounted to the acousticmembrane 65 b.

FIG. 10H provides a cross section view of a speaker acoustic ventassembly 60 b. The acoustic vent assembly 60 b includes a port 66 bconfigured as a tapered channel for directing sound toward a speakeracoustic material 65 b, such as a membrane, e.g. a GoreTex® membrane,configured for receiving and transmitting sound, but is not transmissiveto liquids, such as water. The acoustic membrane 65 b is circumscribedby an bounding region 67 b and may further be overlaid by an acousticgrille 68 b.

FIG. 10I provides a further cross section view of the speaker acousticvent assembly of FIG. 10H. The acoustic vent assembly 60 b includes aport 66 b configured as a tapered channel for directing sound toward aspeaker acoustic material 65 b, such as a membrane configured forreceiving and transmitting sound. The acoustic membrane 65 b iscircumscribed by a bounding region 67 b and may further be overlaid byan acoustic grille 68 b. The interface between the grille and acousticmembrane may be configured to include various airgaps there between.

FIG. 10J provides another example of an acoustic vent assembly. In thisinstance, the acoustic vent assembly is fabricated as a single memberincluding both a microphone acoustic vent assembly 60 a and a speakeracoustic vent assembly 60 b, such as could be used in an embodimentprovided with respect to that of FIG. 19. As depicted the microphone andspeaker assemblies 60 a and b are formed within a larger frameworkportion 5, which framework portion is adapted as an end portion that iscapable of being inserted into a larger housing 1. The framework portion5 includes a plurality of sound transmission portions 60 and b, havingsound channels 66 a and b, and further includes a latch port portion 70.

Additionally, the framework portion 5 may include one or more claspingmechanisms, gaskets, gasket seats, and or channels as described herein.For instance, where the framework portion is meant to be inserted into ahousing 1, the framework portion 5 may include a circumferentialclasping mechanism that may additionally include a circumferentialgasket and/or gasket seat, which together are designed to create awaterproof sealing between the housing 1 and framework portion 5 whenthe two are sealably coupled together.

As depicted, the sound channels 66 a and b include acoustic ventmembrane seats 67 a and b that are angled with respect to a transversecentral line of the channels 66 a and b. Hence, when the acoustic ventmembranes 65 a and b are attached thereto they are angled. The anglingof the acoustic vents 65 a, b is configured such that the surface areaof the included vent material is increased thereby increasing thetransmission of sound through the sound channels 66 a and b. A latchfeature 70, as described herein, is also included, as well as groovesthat are adapted to receive an external latching mechanism, which may beemployed so as to further secure the framework portion 5 to the housing1. For instance, see FIG. 19.

FIG. 10K provides a cross section view of the end member frameworkportion 5 having the acoustic vent assembly of FIG. 10J. The frameworkportion 5 is attached to the housing 1 via corresponding claspingmechanisms 27 and 37. The framework portion further includes a channel10 having a gasket 15 therein, such that as the end member frameworkportion 5 is coupled to the housing 1 a liquid tight seal is providedthereby. The framework portion 5, further includes a microphone acousticvent portion 60 a. The microphone acoustic vent portion includes anacoustic channel 66 a leading to a microphone acoustic vent material 65a, which vent material 65 a is held in place by an acoustic vent seat 67a. The acoustic vent material 65 a is positioned within the channel 66 aat an angle so as to increase the cross sectional area of the ventmaterial for improved sound transmission.

FIGS. 10L and 10M provide a close up cross section view of the acousticvent assembly 6 a of FIG. 10 providing a microphone sound channel 66 aleading to an acoustic vent material 65 a, which vent material is angledwith respect to the channel 66 a. As can be seen, the end member 5includes a channel 10 within which a gasket 15 may be positioned.

In certain embodiments, a perimeter portion of a housing of thedisclosure may include one or more fabricated switch or button features.For instance, a switch or button feature for engaging a switch or buttonmechanism of an encased device, such as a silence switch or volumecontrol or “on”/“off” button, may be provided. As can be seen withrespect to FIG. 11A, a switch feature 90 may be included on a portion ofthe housing 1, such as on one of the opposing side portions. Theperimeter of the housing 1 may further include other features such asone or more volume control buttons 99 a, b; a coin slot feature 18; oneor more sound transmission portions 60, a latch feature 70; and thelike.

The switch 90 and button 99 features are fabricated along with thehousing 1 and are specifically configured for engaging the correspondingswitches and buttons of a housed device. Hence, the switches and buttonsare designed to model and ensure both the functionality and aestheticsof the underlying switches and buttons of the underlying device.

FIG. 11B provides a close up view of FIG. 11A showing the perimeterportion of the housing 1 that contains the silence switch feature 90 andvolume buttons 99. The housing 1 includes a top housing member 2 havinga perimeter portion 20, and a bottom housing member 3, having aperimeter portion 30. As depicted, the switch feature 90 and volumebuttons 99 are positioned along a perimeter portion 20 of the top member2, but in other embodiments may be positioned on the bottom member 3.

In this embodiment, the style of the switch 90 and button 99 featuresare designed to retain the stylistic features and functionality of theswitches and buttons of the underlying device. The silence switch 90 isconfigured for engaging a respective silence switch of a housed deviceso as to silence the noise feature of the housed device. The volumecontrol toggles or buttons 99 a and b are configured for engaging theircorresponding buttons on a housed device for the increasing anddecreasing of the volume of an underlying device. These configurationsmay differ as the configuration of the underlying device differs. Forinstance, one or more extension elements, such as compressible plugelements may be included to increase the functionality of the button orswitch members.

The perimeter portion 20 of top member 2 additionally includes anearphone jack 50 having a port sealing bung 53 inserted therein. It isto be noted that one or more of these features could be positioned alongthe perimeter portion 30 of a bottom member 3 as well. Additionallydepicted is a top surface membrane 25 of top member 2, which top member2 includes a video camera lens or optically clear region 47, a proximitysensor 48, and an acoustic vent portion 44 including an soundtransmission aperture 49 for transmitting sound through the top membermembrane 25. The bottom front surface 35 a of the bottom member 3includes stand-offs 16.

FIG. 11C provides a cutaway side view of the silence switch feature 90,volume toggles 99 a, b as well as earphone jack port 50 with portsealing bung 53 inserted therein as depicted in FIG. 11A. The silenceswitch feature 90 includes an actuator base 92, which may be fabricatedfrom a rigid material, and may include an axle or rocker 95 that pivotsalong with the base 92 so as to effectively engage a silence switch of ahoused device. Also depicted are switch interfaces 93, which interfacesare configured for engaging opposing sides of a switch of an underlyingdevice such that as the switch feature 90 rotates about rocker 95, theswitch is translated from one position to another. It is to be notedthat the rigid actuator 92, the rocker 85, and the switch interfaces 93may be configured as one complete element or two or three separateelements that are joined together.

Volume control toggles 99 a and b include a flat user engagement surfaceportion, which may be engaged by a user and an extended buttonengagement portion that is configured for engaging a button of a houseddevice. One or more additional spacers may be added to the extendedbutton engagement portions so as to enhance the engagement of thebuttons of a housed device.

Also depicted is earphone jack port 50 having port sealing bung threads54 a. A port sealing bung 53 having corresponding threads 54 b to theearphone jack port threads 54 a is also provided. The port sealing bung53 further includes a gasket 55 circumscribing the port sealing bung 53.It is noted that although the gasket 55 is depicted as being associatedwith the port sealing bung 53, it other instances it may be associatedwith the earphone jack port 50. In this embodiment, the port sealingbung 53 is inserted into the earphone jack port 50, bung threads 54 bare aligned with port threads 54 a, and the gasket 55 is compressed bythe screwing of the port sealing bung 53 into the bung port 50 therebycreating a watertight sealing therewith.

FIG. 11D provides a cross section view of the silence switch feature 90.The switch feature may be configured as a slider switch 90, which sliderswitch 90 includes a switch housing 91, an actuator top member 94,having a rigid actuator switch base 92 and switch interface 93. Thesilence switch feature 90 further includes an axle or rocker 95 aboutwhich the actuator top member 94 and switch interface 93 rotates. Theswitch interface 93 may include two opposed teeth members or a cavityportion for surrounding opposing sides of a switch, e.g., a silenceswitch, of an underlying device.

Accordingly, the switch interface 93 couples with a slider switch, suchas a silence switch of an underlying device, so as to manipulate thesilence switch, e.g., from a normal to a silenced position. Forinstance, a user may place a downward force on the rigid actuator topmember 94 thereby causing the base member 92 to rotate along with axle95 and causing the wings or cavity of the switch interface 93 to moveupward. In a manner such as this the downward force on the actuator topmember 94 is translated into an upward force on the switch interface 93and silence switch of an underlying device thereby moving the silenceswitch from a first to a second position, e.g., from an “off” to an “on”position.

It is to be noted, that although the switch feature 90 has beendescribed as having various switch components with respect to FIG. 11D,various of the switch components may be included or excluded or modifiedwithout departing from the nature of the switch feature 90 so long asthe switch feature is capable of engaging and manipulating a switch ofan underlying device. For instance, in certain instances, a switchfeature 90 may include a flexible, semi-rigid switch housing 91, whichhousing includes one or more switch interface portions 93 that areassociated with an inside surface of the housing 91, which switchinterface portions 93 are configured for engaging a switch of theunderlying device. In such an instance, the switch housing 91 may be araised member that is configured for being depressed in an up or downdirection, which depression allows one of the switch interface portions93 to engage and manipulate the switch of a housed device either upwardsor downwards. A reinforced base portion 92 may also be included ifdesired.

FIG. 11E illustrates several different views of a silence switch feature90. The silence switch feature 90 shows a housing 91 configured toinclude a slider switch top member 94 and a silence switch interface 93.As depicted the silence switch top member 94 is associated with a rigidactuator base member 92 and rigid actuator switch interface 93, whichelements rotate about a rocker, e.g., axle, member 95 as the switchfeature 90 is manipulated to move the switch interface 93 upwards ordownwards and consequently moving a silence switch of an underlyingdevice “on” or “off”.

As illustrated the silence switch feature 90 includes an actuator switchhousing 91 that overlays the switch top member 94, axle 95, and basemember 93. The switch feature 90 may additionally include an adhesive,such as applied to a top member 94, or a barb features such as appliedto the axle portion 95, so as to secure the top member 94 within thehousing member 91. As the top member 94 is manipulated, e.g., movedupward or downward in a linear direction, the base member 93 rotatesabout the axle 95 thereby causing the switch interface 93 to translatethe switch of an underlying device in an opposing linear direction,e.g., thereby silencing or un-silencing the underlying device.

Also depicted is a housing for the switch feature 90. As depicted, aninterior perimeter portion 20 a of a top member 2 is provided. Theinterior perimeter portion 20 a of the top member includes a switchcutout portion into which a switch feature 90, as described above, maybe fitted. The switch feature 90 therefore extends from an insiderperimeter of the housing 1 toward an outside perimeter portion of thehousing 1. The exterior perimeter portion 20 b of the top member 2 formsan exterior portion of the switch housing 91 so as to cover the externalswitch components. Consequently, the top member 2 may be fabricated soas to form a switch housing portion 91 on its perimeter portion intowhich a suitable switch 90 is fitted, e.g., post production.

FIG. 11F provides an inside view of the silence switch mechanism 90,which switch mechanism 90 includes a switch top member 94 that is notseen, which top member 94 extends from an interior portion 20 a of thetop member 2 to an exterior portion 20 b thereof. As the top member 94is engaged by a user it thereby moves about axle 95. The axle 95 isadapted for allowing the rigid actuator base 92 to also rotate aroundthe axle 95. Hence, the switch feature 90 is configured such that as theswitch top member actuator 94 rotates about the axle 95 within theswitch housing 91, the switch interface 93 causes the switch to movefrom a first to a second position, such as from an “on” to an “off”position.

FIG. 11G provides a cross section view of the switch feature of FIG.11A. It is to be noted, that this configuration is such that as thedesign of an underlying device is changed over time, the switch feature90 should be able to accommodate minor changes in the configuration ofthe underlying device and still be effective in performing its function.

Additionally, the top and/or bottom member may be configured so as toinclude a slot region to facilitate in separating the top member fromthe bottom member of the housing. For instance, a tool may be placedwithin the slot and twisted thereby causing the two members of thehousing to separate, e.g., unzip. In this regard, the flexible materialof the housing, e.g., the overmoulded exterior perimeter portion 20 b ofthe top member 2 and the semi-rigid, e.g., polypropylene, material ofthe bottom member 3 may facilitate such an interaction because if thematerial of the housing were exclusively rigid such an interaction wouldbe hard to achieve in addition to a consistent seal.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 12A an outerperimeter portion of the housing 1 may include a slot feature 18, suchas a coin slot feature, for assisting in separating the top member 2 ofthe housing from the bottom member 3 of the housing. The slot featuremay include an indented, e.g., cut out, portion 17 of the perimeter. Thecut out portion 17 may be positioned in top member 2, and further bebounded by a plurality of bounding members 19 a, b, such as overhang (ornon-cutout) portions in top housing 2 and bottom housing 3,respectively.

FIG. 12B provides a close up cross section view of the coin slot feature18 of FIG. 12B. The top member 2 includes both a concave configuration17 and a convex overhang or non-cutout configuration 19 a, while thebottom member 3 also includes a convex or non-cutout configuration 19 b,such that as the top 2 and bottom 3 members are joined together a coinslot feature 18 is formed so as to assist a user in opening the opposingmembers of the housing 1, such as by inserting a tool, such as a coin,into the concave region 17 and twisting thereby forcing the top member 2away from the bottom member 3.

FIG. 12C provides a cross section view of the coin slot feature 18 ofFIG. 12A. The coin slot feature 18 is formed within the top member 2 andincludes a concave region 17 and a convex region 19 a that overhangs theconcave, cutout region 17. The corner portion of the bottom member 3naturally forms the other bounding member 19 b of the coin slot feature18.

FIG. 12D provides a cross section view of the coin slot feature 18 ofFIG. 12A, which coin slot feature 18 includes a concave region 17bounded by a plurality of convex regions 19 a and 19 b, wherein theconvex region 19 a is positioned on top member 2 and the convex region19 b is positioned in bottom member 3.

In a further embodiment, as seen with respect to FIG. 13A the outerperimeter portion of the housing 1 may include a sound transmissionportion 60 c that is configured as a noise cancelling feature. In thisconfiguration, the noise cancelling feature 60 c functions for assistingin directing ambient noise toward a noise cancelling microphone presenton an encased device thereby facilitating in the cancelling of ambientnoise. The noise cancelling feature 60 c may be positioned anywhere onthe housing 1, on a top member 2 or bottom member 3, such as along theperimeter 20 or 30. As depicted, the noise cancelling feature 60 ispositioned on a top member 2 and is offset from a liquid proof headphonejack outlet 50, which headphone jack includes a port sealing bung 53.For instance, it is to be noted that in various instances, a noisecancelling feature may be included within an earphone port 50, morespecifically, within earphone port closure 53. For example, the portsealing bung 53 could include the noise cancelling feature 60, such aswhere an underlying electronic device has a noise cancelling featureassociated with its accessory, e.g., headphone, connection inlet.

FIG. 13B provides a cross section view of the noise cancelling feature60 c of FIG. 13A. The noise cancelling feature 60 c includes an acousticinlet aperture 61 that communicates with a sound guide channel 62, whichchannel 62 directs sound toward an acoustic membrane 63 positioned in atransverse manner within the sound guide channel 62. The acoustic inletaperture 61 is offset from a noise cancelling microphone of an encaseddevice, but configured for directing ambient noise thereto.Additionally, as can be seen with respect to the accessory inletaperture 50, e.g., headphone port, of FIG. 13B, in various embodiments,the head phone port 50 may include a structural circumferential featurethat is designed to contact and/or at least partially circumscribe anearphone inlet port 150 of a housed device 100 so as to protect theinlet port 150 of the device 100 form being subjected to dirt or liquidthat might otherwise enter the housing 1.

It is further to be noted that although in this embodiment the noisecancelling feature 60 is in an offset fashion, in certain embodiments itcan be configured to be directly in-line with a noise cancelling featureof a housed device. For instance, where a noise cancelling feature of anunderlying device is positioned within an accessory inlet portion, suchas in a headphone jack receiving portion, then the noise cancellingfeature 60 may be positioned within an earphone jack port 50 plug. Insuch an instance, the port sealing bung 53 would be configured toinclude the noise cancelling feature 60, which in turn would include oneor more of an acoustic inlet aperture 61, e.g., positioned on closuretop member 58, which communicates with a sound guide channel 62,positioned underneath thread portion 54, which channel 62 would directsound toward an acoustic membrane 63 positioned in a transverse mannerwithin the sound guide channel 62. In such an instance, the noisecancelling feature 60 would be directly in line with a noise cancellingfeature of a housed device.

As depicted, the noise cancelling feature 60 c includes one or moresound inlet apertures 61, a sound guide channel 62, and an acoustic ventmembrane 63, which are positioned on a perimeter portion 20 of a topmember 2. The sound guide channel 62 is configured for directing soundtoward a noise cancelling microphone present on an encased electronicdevice. The acoustic vent membrane 63 may be positioned so as tointersect the sound guide channel 62.

Further, in certain embodiments, as can be seen with respect to FIG.13C, the noise cancelling feature 60 c may additionally include an echocancelling gasket 64 b that may be positioned on a gasket seat 64 a,which gasket seat 64 b and gasket 64 a circumscribe the interiorperimeter of the noise cancelling feature 60 c.

For instance, in certain configurations, when a housed device, such as amobile telephone, having a noise cancelling microphone is entirelyenclosed within the bounds of a housing, sound emitted from the houseddevice may be reflected internally to the noise cancelling microphonethereby causing echoing. For example, where the enclosed device is amobile telephone, sound emitted from the device from a person speakingon the other end of the line may sometimes hear an echoing of theirwords because of the internal reflection of the sound of their speaking.This reflection of noise makes communication through the enclosed devicemore difficult than it otherwise would be.

To prevent such echoing a gasket 64 b may be placed on an internalperimeter portion 20 a of the top member 2 in such a manner that itcircumscribes the internal perimeter portion of the noise cancellingfeature 60 c. The gasket 64 b may be composed of any suitable material,such as a compressible foam material, elastic material, rubber material,a mixture of the same, and/or the like, and should be positioned suchthat it surrounds the noise cancelling microphone feature inlet of theenclosed device thereby preventing internally reflected sound fromentering the noise cancelling microphone inlet of the enclosed deviceand thereby causing echoing. With an appropriately positioned gasket 64b positioned around the noise cancelling microphone inlet of an encloseddevice, this echoing is diminished if not completely prevented. Forfurther effect, the noise cancelling gasket 64 b may be positioned on agasket seat 64 a which gasket seat 64 a functions to more firmlyposition the gasket 64 b against the encased device. See FIG. 13C.

Accordingly, FIG. 13C provides an inside out view of the noisecancelling feature 60 c of FIG. 13A. Depicted is an acoustic ventmembrane 63 that transects a sound guide channel 62. The sound guidechannel 62 is circumscribed by a echo cancelling gasket seat 64 a, uponwhich gasket seat 64 a is positioned an echo cancelling gasket 64 b. Thesound guide channel 62 is offset from an earphone jack port 50, whichearphone port is coupled with the port sealing bung 53. Although thesound guide channel is offset from the earphone jack port 50, it isconfigured for guiding sound to a noise cancelling microphone on thebody of an encased electronic device, such as a mobile telephone.

As indicated, FIG. 13C provides a noise cancelling feature with a noisecancelling gasket 64 a present. As can be seen, the noise cancellinggasket 64 a sits within gasket seat 64 b and circumscribes the internalperimeter portion of the noise cancelling feature 60 c therebypreventing the internal reflection of sound from entering a noisecancelling microphone inlet of an encased device thereby preventing theexperience of echoing.

FIG. 13D provides a cut away view of the noise cancelling feature 60 cof FIG. 13A. The noise cancelling feature 60 c includes a sound inletaperture 61, a sound guide channel 62, an acoustic vent membrane 63, anda noise cancelling gasket 64 a positioned on a gasket seat 64 b. Theacoustic vent is in an offset position so as to facilitate thetransmission of sound there through. In the same manner described above,the acoustic membrane 63 may be associated with the housing 1 in anovermoulded configuration and/or an adhesive may be included to securethe membrane to the housing.

In an additional embodiment, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 14A,the outer perimeter portion of the housing 1 may include a port featureaperture 50, for instance, for receiving either a jack, such as a jackof an accessory, such as a headphone or speaker assembly, or a closuredevice, e.g., a bung, or the like. The headphone port feature may beincluded in a top and/or bottom member 2, 3. A noise cancelling featureinlet aperture 61, as described above, is also depicted.

FIG. 14B provides a cross section view of the headphone port feature 50of FIG. 14A. The headphone port feature 50 may include an aperturebounding member 51 positioned in one or both of the top and bottommembers 2, 3. The aperture bounding member 51 bounds an aperture. Thebounding member includes a threaded region 54 a that is configured tocorrespond to a threaded region 54 b on the port sealing bung 53, whichport sealing bung 53 is adapted to be inserted into the port featureaperture 50. In various embodiments, the bounding member may alsoinclude a gasket seat and a gasket, such as an o-ring. However, asdepicted, although aperture bounding member 51 includes a gasket seat52, the gasket seat is configured for interfacing with a gasket 55positioned on the earphone port bung 53.

The threaded region 54 a may be configured for receiving a correspondingthreaded region 54 b present on an accessory, such as a headphone jack57 or a closure device, such as an earphone port sealing bung 53.Accordingly, a suitable headphone jack 57 or closure device such as portsealing bung 53 will include a corresponding thread feature 54 b and mayadditionally include a gasket 55. If the headphone jack 57 and/or portsealing bung 53 includes a gasket, then the aperture bounding member 51need not include a gasket 52 b, rather it will simply include a gasketseat 52 and a threaded feature 54 a. If the headphone jack 57 and/orclosure device does not include a gasket 55, then the aperture boundingmember 51 will include a gasket seat 52 a as well as a gasket 52 b and athreaded feature 54 a. The threaded region 54 a may be configured as atypical thread feature or may be configured as a cam feature. Hence, itis to be noted, that a gasket 52 b may be present within the housing ofthe aperture bounding member 51 or may be present on the earphone portbung 53 or headphone jack 57.

FIG. 14C provides a cross-section view of the headphone port feature 50of FIG. 14A. The headphone port feature 50 includes an aperture 51positioned in top member 2. As can be seen with respect to FIG. 14C, incertain instances, the headphone port feature 50 may be configured to becoincident with or otherwise include a clasping mechanism interface 27for coupling with a clasping mechanism 37 of a bottom member 3. However,in other embodiments, the port feature 50 includes an aperture 51 thatis entirely positioned in a top 2 or bottom 3 member, wherein the portfeature 50 is positioned above a respective clasping mechanism 27 or 37.

For instance, the port feature 50 may be entirely positioned in a topmember 2, wherein the aperture spans from a semi-rigid exteriorperimeter portion 20 b, through the rigid interior perimeter portion 20a, into the interior of the case. Therefore, the perimeter portion 20 ofthe top member 2 is configured to entirely accommodate the port feature20. In such an instance, although the port feature 50 spans the interiorand exterior perimeter portions 20 a, b of the top member 2, it does notinterfere with the clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 that ispositioned on either the interior or exterior perimeter portion 20 a, b.In such an instance, the perimeter portion of the bottom member 3 mayinclude an arched cutout region so as to accommodate the port feature50, so long as the cutout does not interfere with the clasping mechanism37.

The aperture bounding member 51 may include both a gasket seat 52 a andgasket 52 b (e.g., if not included in a corresponding port bung 53and/or jack 57), and a threaded region 54 a, which threaded region 54 ais configured for receiving the corresponding threaded region 54 b onport sealing bung 53 and/or corresponding threaded region 58 on anearphone or speaker jack 57. In this configuration, the coupling of theearphone port sealing bung 53 or jack 57 with the headphone port feature50 results in a liquid and dirt tight seal, which seal prevents aliquid, such as water, and/or dirt from entering the housing 1 throughthe headphone port 50.

Additionally, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 14D, in certainembodiments, the perimeter 20 of the top member 2 may include a steppedup configuration so as to allow the separate housing members 2 and 3 tomore closely interface with one another, despite the presence of one ormore features of the housing and/or an underlying device, such asheadphone port feature 50.

For instance, where the interior perimeter portion 20 a of the topmember 2 includes the clasping mechanism 27, the interior perimeterportion 20 a and clasping mechanism 27 may have a transition that movesfrom lower d1, along the sides of the housing, to higher d2, along thecorners of the housing. This transition may be included along all thecorners to ensure a tight seal, and/or may be included anywhere suitableso as to accommodate for the presence of a perimeter feature such as theheadphone port feature 50.

Accordingly, FIG. 14D provides a view of a corner edge detail showingthe transition of interior perimeter portion 20 a and clasping member 27from low to high, which transition accommodates for the presence of theheadphone port 50 by providing the necessary clearance. It is to benoted that this transition may be included without reference to itsrelation to any other perimeter feature and may be included in a top orbottom member with consequent changes being made to its components.

As indicated above, an element of the housing 1 may be a port opening,such as a headphone port 50, that is configured for acting as aninterface between a headphone, speaker, or other jack containingaccessory device 57 and a jack port 150 of an underlying electronicdevice 100 so as to provide a liquid-proof interface between theheadphone 57, speaker jack, etc. and the underlying device 100. In suchan instance, the interface is a liquid and dirt proof seal.

In certain instances, however, a headphone, speaker, or other devicecontaining a waterproof jack interface 57 may not be included or may nototherwise be associated with the housing 1 or an underlying device 100associated therewith. In such an instance, a port sealing bung 53 may beassociated with the port 50 of the housing 1 so as to maintain a liquidand dirt proof seal when a liquid-proof jack 57, such as the onedescribed herein below, is not associated with the port of the housing.

Accordingly, as can be seen with respect to FIG. 15A, in certaininstances, a port sealing bung 53 is provided for sealing an associatedport 50 of a housing 1. The port sealing bung 53 may include a topmember 58, which top-member may further include a grip feature region56. The port sealing bung 53 may also include a gasket region containinga gasket 55 and a threaded region containing threads 54 b, which threadsare configured for coupling with corresponding threads 54 a of a jackport 50 so as to establish a liquid and dirt tight seal there between.It is to be noted that the threaded regions may be configured as athread feature or a cam feature.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 15B instead of the threaded regiondepicted in FIG. 15A, a cam feature, such as a bayonet cam feature 54 ccan be provided. The cam feature 54 c is configured for coupling thejack port sealing bung 53 with the jack port 50 in a liquid-tight sealwhen the port 50 is not associated with a corresponding liquid-proofjack interface 57. The port sealing bung 53 also includes a top member58 having a grip feature 56 and gasket 55.

FIG. 15C provides a bottom-up perspective view of the port sealing bung53 of FIG. 15B. The port sealing bung 53 includes a top member 58 withgrip features 56. The port sealing bung 53 includes a gasket region withgasket 55 and a bayonet cam feature, which in this instance is anindented region 54 c. It is to be noted that when the cam feature 54 cis included in the port sealing bung 53, a corresponding protruding camfeature is substituted for the threaded region 54 a of the port jack 50.

FIG. 15D provides a bottom-up view of another embodiment of the jackport bung of FIG. 15B. The port sealing bung 53 includes a top member 58with grip features 56. The port sealing bung 53 includes a gasket regionwith gasket 55 and a bayonet cam feature this time with an expandedregion 54 c. It is to be noted that when this expanded cam feature isincluded in the port sealing bung 53, a corresponding indented camreceiving feature is substituted for the threaded region 54 a of theport jack 50. See FIG. 15E.

FIG. 15E provides a jack port 50 of a housing 1, wherein the jack port50 has a bayonet thread receiving feature 54 a that is configured forbeing coupled with a corresponding bayonet thread protruding feature 54c of a closure device 53 or cam protruding feature 58 of a waterproofjack 57. In this instance, the corresponding locking features areconfigured as a bayonet cam features, but they could alternatively beconfigured as corresponding threaded regions. The bayonet cam feature 54c or 58 is configured to act as an entry gate between the bung 53 orjack 57 and the jack port 50. The jack port 50 also includes a gasketsealing surface that is configured for interacting with a gasket feature55 of the bung 53 or gasket feature 59 on jack 57 for assisting inproviding a liquid-tight seal between the bung 53 or jack 57 and thejack port 50.

FIG. 15F provides a view of a housing 1 of the disclosure with anearphone port sealing bung 53 not installed therein.

FIG. 15G provides a view of a housing 1 of the disclosure with anearphone port sealing bung 53 installed therein.

As indicated above, an element of the housing may be a port that isconfigured for acting as an interface between a headphone, speaker, orother jack containing accessory device and a jack port of an underlyingelectronic device. Accordingly, in certain instances, a headphone,speaker, or other accessory device having a jack interface may beincluded and associated with the housing and/or an underlying deviceassociated therewith in such a manner that a liquid-proof seal is formedby the coupling of the jack with the jack port of an underlying devicethrough the housing's jack port interface. Hence, in certainembodiments, a device, such as a headphone, speaker, or other suchaccessory device having a jack interface is provided, wherein the jackinterface of the device is configured so as to provide a liquid-proofseal between the jack and the jack port interface of the housing, whichinterface is adapted for receiving the headphone, speaker jack, etc., insuch a manner so as to produce a liquid-proof seal thereby.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 16A, a device having a plug, e.g., ajack interface 57, is provided. The jack is configured for providing aliquid-tight seal between the jack interface 57 and a jack-portreceiving feature 50 of the housing 1. The jack may include a gasket 59,such as an o-ring, and a threaded or cam feature 58. It is to be notedthat where the jack interface 57 includes a threaded or cam feature 58,a corresponding threaded or cam feature 54 a will be included in thejack port feature 50 of the housing 1. The jack plug comprises anelectronic device interface.

The jack electronic device interface or bung 57 is configured forpassing through the jack port 50 so as to associate with an encasedelectronic device, and also to associate with the jack port feature 50of the housing 1 in such a manner as to establish a liquid-tight sealthere with. In this instance, the jack 57 includes a thread feature 58configured as a thread feature locking mechanism 58, however, in otherembodiments, the thread feature is configured as a bayonet cam lockingmechanism.

With respect to FIG. 16A, provided is a perspective view of anelectronix interface of an accessory having a jack interface 57, e.g., aplug. The jack interface 57 is configured for providing a liquid-tightseal between the jack 57 and a jack-port 50 receiving feature of ahousing 1. The jack 57 includes a gasket seat for a gasket 59 and athreaded feature 58. The jack 57 further includes an electronic deviceinterface. The jack 57 is configured for passing the electronic deviceinterface through the jack port 50 so as to associate with an encasedelectronic device and also to associate with a jack port feature 50 ofthe housing 1 in such a manner as to establish a liquid-tight seal therewith. In this instance, the jack 57 includes a threaded feature lockingmechanism 58, which is configured for interfacing with a correspondingthreaded region 54 a of the jack port 50.

FIG. 16B provides a view of a threaded jack port. 16 into which athreaded bung 53 or threaded jack interface 57 could be associated, Inthis instance a port sealing bung 53, as described above, is installedtherein. In this embodiment, the jack port 50 and the bung 53 havecorresponding thread feature locking mechanisms 54 a and b,respectively. The port sealing bung 53 additionally includes a gasket 55which enhances the liquid-tight seal. It is noted, that in order for thejack electronic device interface 57 of the jack of FIG. 16A to beinserted into the jack port 50 of the housing 1 of FIG. 16B, the portsealing bung 53 must be unscrewed from the jack port 50 and the jack 57must be screwed therein.

FIG. 16C a bayonet jack electronic device having a jack interface 57 isprovided. The jack includes a gasket 59, e.g., an o-ring, and a camfeature 58. It is to be noted that where the jack interface 57 includesa cam feature 58, a corresponding cam feature 54 a will be included inthe jack port feature 50 of the housing 1. Accordingly, as illustratedin FIG. 16C, the jack interface 57 is configured for passing through thejack port 50 so as to associate with an encased electronic device, andalso includes a cam feature 58 that is adapted for associating with acorresponding cam feature 54 a of the jack port feature 50 of thehousing 1 so as to establish a liquid-tight seal there with. See FIG.16D.

FIG. 16D provides a close-up view of a cammed jack-port 50 of a housing1. The jack-port 50 includes a cammed feature 54 a. The jack-port 50 isadapted to receive either a port bung 53 or a jack interface withcorresponding threaded feature 54 b or 58. When the port bung 53 or jackinterface 57 is received within the jack-port 50, a liquid tight seal isprovided thereby. This liquid tight seal is enhanced by including agasket (e.g., 55 or 59) along with the bung 53 or jack interface 57

FIG. 16E provides an interior view of the bayonet cam jack port 50 ofFIG. 16B with the port sealing bung 53 installed.

FIG. 16F provides a cross section interior view of the bayonet cam jackport 50 of FIG. 16E the port sealing bung 53 installed.

FIG. 17A provides a view of a liquid-proof adapter and cable for use inconjunction with a housing of the invention. The adapter includes areceiving or female member 88 that is configured for receiving a typicalelectronic device jack interface, e.g., plug, such as a headphone,speaker jack, other accessory, and/or the like to be inserted therein.The adapter further includes a liquid-proof jack 57 or male portion,e.g., plug, for being coupled to a liquid-proof jack port 50 of ahousing 1 of the disclosure, so as to provide a liquid-proof sealingbetween the jack 57 and the port 50.

In this manner, a typical electronic device jack may be associated withthe liquid proof adapter and employed with a housing 1 of the disclosurein a liquid-tight sealing. The liquid proof jack 57 portion of theadapter and cable includes a jack gasket 59 and a threaded jackinterface 58.

The adapter may further include a storage port 87 which may be adaptedfor receiving one or both of the liquid proof jack 57 and/or a portsealing bung 53. The storage port 87 may also include a plurality ofcovers 89 a and b. It is to be noted that although the above descriptionhas been set forth with respect to the adapter being liquid-proof, invarious embodiments the adapter need not be liquid-proof. For instance,the gasket, e.g., O-ring, 59 and/or locking mechanism, e.g., threads, 58need not be present. In such an instance, the adapter may be anon-waterproof adapter.

FIG. 17B provides other instances of the liquid-proof adapter of FIG.17A. The adapter includes an earphone jack receiving member 88, which isconfigured for receiving a standard electronic device jack pluginterface. The adapter also includes a liquid proof jack 57. The adapterfurther includes a storage port 87 that may be configured for receivingone or both of a portion of the liquid proof jack 57 and/or a portsealing bung 53, such as in a port bung storage receiving element 87. Ascan be seen with respect to FIG. 17B, in a first instance, the storageelement 88 is closed, having a bung 53 stored therein. In a secondinstance, the storage element 88 is open, the bung 53 having beenremoved therefrom. In a third instance, the storage element is closed,having receiving therein the jack plug 57. Accordingly, the adapter isadapted for being bent about itself, so that the waterproof jack 57 maybe inserted into the storage element 87 (for better storagecapabilities); and/or the adapter is adapted for being coupled to aliquid-proof port 50 of the housing 1 via the liquid proof jack 57.

Consequently, the liquid proof jack 57 includes an earphone jack gasket,e.g., O-ring, 59 as well as a locking mechanism, such as threads 58. Ina manner such as this an accessory may be inserted into the femaleportion 88 of the adapter and the male end 57 of the adapter insertedinto the case, associated with a jack inlet port of a housed device, andlocked into place via locking element 58. Hence, an accessory plug thatwould otherwise not be able to be inserted into the housing, such as ina waterproof manner, can via the adapter be electronically connectedwith an underlying device. This in turn allows for a jack-port interfacehaving the smallest possible profile.

FIG. 17C provides a view of various different locking members forlocking a jack 57 in combination with a housing 1 of the disclosure. Forinstance, one or more locking tethers 69 a and/or b may be associatedwith a jack 57. The one or more locking tethers 69 a and/or b may beconfigured for being coupled with one or more corresponding lockingelements 69 c and/or d on the housing, such as by snapping, see FIG. 17C1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; or by inserting and twisting. See FIGS. 17C 5, 6,and/or 7. For example, the locking tether may be a part of the jack 57,see numbers 1 and 2, which slides onto a corresponding receiving memberon the housing, or it may be a locking tether on the housing that slidesinto a corresponding groove on the jack 57, see #3 and 4. In certaininstances, one or more of the locking tethers may include a lockingscrew thread and/or gasket, etc. See #5. In other instances, the jack 57may include one or more wings 69 a and b, which wings are configured forbeing coupled with one or more wing receiving members 69 c and d, suchas by inserting the jack wings 69 a and b into the wing receivingmembers 69 c and d and twisting so as to lock in place. See, forinstance, FIG. 17C, reference numbers 6, 7, and 8.

FIG. 17D provides various methods for securing a port sealing bung 53when it is not secured within the housing 1. For instance, the portsealing bung 53 may be tethered to the housing 1 by a leash 69. The portsealing bung 53 may also be placed into a bung holding receptacle 14that is built into the housing 1. Alternatively, the port sealing bung53 may be stored into a bung holding receptacle 87 a that is part of anadapter.

As depicted, in one embodiment the bung holding receptacle 87 a may alsoinclude a plug receiving receptacle 87 b as well, into which a plug,e.g. 57 may be inserted, e.g., for storage. For instance, in certainembodiments, the liquid-proof adapter member includes an earphone jackadapter receiving member 88, which is configured for receiving astandard electronic device jack interface 57. For example, on one end,the adapter includes a liquid proof jack 57, which is configured forbeing coupled to a liquid-proof port 50 of the housing 1, such as in aliquid-proof seal. The other end of the adapter member includes astorage receptacle that includes both a port 87 a that is configured forreceiving a liquid proof port sealing bung 53, and a port 87 b that isconfigured for receiving the jack port interface, e.g., of the adapter.As depicted, the port sealing bung 53 is coupled to the port bungreceiving member 87 a and the jack interface 57 is coupled to the jackport receiving member 87 b.

FIG. 17E provides a perspective view of another embodiment of aliquid-proof adapter member having a port bung storage element 96associated therewith. The adapter includes a jack receiving member 88,such as a female plug receiving member, a storage device 96 having aport bung storage element, adapted for receiving and storing a portsealing bung 53 when not in use, and a liquid-tight jack 57. The jack 57is an earphone jack that is configured so as to form a water tight sealbetween the earphone jack 57 and the earphone jack port 50. Accordingly,the water-tight jack 57 includes a jack gasket 59, such as an O-ring,which is positioned on a gasket stand of the jack 57. Also included is athreaded region, such as a jack threaded region 58 that is configuredfor being coupled to a corresponding threaded region 52 of the jack port50 of the housing 1. It is to be noted that as depicted the jack port 50is configured so as to have a gasket 59 and a threaded region 58positioned thereon, in certain instances, the jack port 50 may beconfigured for housing the gasket, e.g., 55, and instead of a threadedregion the jack and jack port may be configured with corresponding camfeatures.

FIG. 17F provides a close up perspective view of the water-proof adaptermember with port bung storage element 96 of FIG. 17E. The adapterincludes an earphone a port bung storage element 96, having a port bungreceiving member 87, and a liquid-tight earphone jack 57. Theliquid-tight jack 57 includes a jack gasket 59, which is positioned on agasket stand of the jack. The water-tight jack 57 also includes a jackthreaded region 58 that is configured for being coupled to acorresponding threaded region 54 a of the jack port 50.

FIG. 17G provides a close up perspective view of the water-proof adaptermember with port bung storage element 96 of FIG. 17E, wherein the bungstorage element 96 is uncoupled from its association with the adaptermember. The adapter includes an earphone jack adapter 88 (not shown), aport bung storage element 96 having a receiving portion 87 for receivingand storing a port sealing bung 53, and a liquid-tight earphone jack 57.The port bung storage element 96 includes a receiving member 87 that isconfigured for receiving a port sealing bung 53. The storage device 96is further configured for being associated with the adapter, e.g.,through a coupling interface, such as via a clasping member. As depictedthe port bung storage element 96 is uncoupled from the adapter and theport sealing bung 53 is dissociated from the bung holder 87 of storageelement 96. The water-tight jack 57 includes a jack gasket 59, which ispositioned on a gasket stand of the jack 57. The water-tight jack 57also includes a jack threaded region 58 that is configured for beingcoupled to a corresponding threaded region 44 a of the jack port 50.

FIG. 17H provides a perspective view of the bung storage element 96 asit is attached to a non waterproof adapter. The bung storage element 96includes a bung receiving member 87, which includes a clasping memberthat is configured for being coupled to a cable of an auxiliary device,such as a headphone or speaker device, and further includes a storageelement 96 for storing a port sealing bung 53. The earphone jackinterface in this embodiment is not a waterproof interface.

FIG. 17I depicts a waterproof jack port adapter of the disclosure as itwould be when the jack port interface member 57 is coupled to acorresponding jack port 50 of the housing 1. In this embodiment, theadapter is a liquid proof adapter that includes a liquid proof jack 57,which jack is coupled to a liquid-proof port 50 of the housing 1 in aliquid-proof seal. As described above, the jack 57 includes both alocking element 58 as well as a gasket 59 (not shown), both of whichenhance the waterproof seal between the jack 57 and the port 50. Theadapter cable further includes a storage device 96 that includes a port87 that is configured for receiving a liquid proof port sealing bung 53,wherein the port sealing bung 53 is coupled to the port bung receivingmember 87. Also depicted is the plug receiving member 88 of the adapter.In this embodiment, an accessory, such as a pair of waterproofheadphones, could be coupled to the external adapter member so as to beelectrically connected with a housed device in a waterproof connection.The adapter could also be used for accessories having plug members thatwould not otherwise be able to fit through the bounds of the port 50 orwhere an extension is desirable.

In certain instances, such as that provided in FIG. 18A, a storageelement 96 is provided wherein the storage element is configured as akey chain. The storage element 96 includes a key chain interface 98 thatis configured for being coupled at least to a key chain and furtherincludes a plurality of storage elements, for instance, one storageelement 87 a for storing a port sealing bung 53, and another storageelement 87 b for storing a latch cover 71, such as where the latch coveris designed to be removable. In certain embodiments, the key chainstorage device 96 may further include a tool 97 for separating thecorresponding members of the housing one from the other. For instance, atool 97 may be provided wherein the tool is configured for beinginserted between the members of the housing 2 and 3, such as at a slotregion 18 positioned along a perimeter of the housing 1. Inserting thetool 97 into the slot feature 18 and twisting will effectuate theseparating of the top member 2 from the bottom member 3.

FIG. 18B provides a side-view of the key chain storage element 96 ofFIG. 18A. The storage element 96 includes a key chain interface 98 andfurther includes a storage element 87 a for storing a port sealing bung53, and another storage element 87 b for storing a latch cover 71. Thekey chain storage device 96 further includes a tool 97 for separatingthe corresponding members of the housing one from the other. Asdepicted, the key chain storage device is further configured for openingand closing, and in this embodiment, the key chain storage device is inthe opened position.

FIG. 18C illustrates the key chain storage device 96 of FIG. 18B,wherein the key chain storage device 96 is in the closed position. Thekey chain storage device 96 includes a key chain interface 98, a storageelement 87 a for storing a port sealing bung 53, another storage element87 b for storing a latch cover 71, and a tool 97 for separating thecorresponding members of the housing one from the other.

FIG. 18D is a further representation of the key chain storage device 96of FIG. 18C.

FIGS. 19A-K provide another embodiment of a device of the disclosure.Accordingly, FIGS. 19A-C provide a segmental illustration whereinvarious elements of a housing 1 are provided in a segmented fashion. Inaccordance with this embodiment, the housing 1 may include a top housingmember 2 and a bottom member 3. Additionally, in this embodiment, thehousing further includes an intermediate structural member 4. The topmember 2 includes a top-surface 25 a, which in this embodiment isconfigured as a membrane that is attachable to top member 2. Themembrane 25 a includes an acoustic membrane feature 44, video cameraoptically clear region 47, a proximity sensor 48, and a button feature40. The top member 2 further includes an outer perimeter portion thatincludes a jack port 50 a, several cutout regions configured forreceiving various feature elements as described above, and an interfaceregion so as to interface with the intermediate member 4.

The intermediate member 4 is configured for interfacing with both thetop member 2 and the bottom member 3. The intermediate member 4 includesa jack port 50 b, a slider switch receiving aperture, and a cameraportion 80. A slider switch 90 is also provided and configured for beingfit within the slider switch receiving aperture of the intermediate 4and top member 2. The bottom member 3 is configured for interfacing withthe intermediate member 4 and/or the top member 2. The bottom member 3includes a slider switch interface region for interfacing with theslider switch 90.

The top member 2, intermediate member 4, and bottom member 3 areconfigured for being coupled to one another so as to form the housing 1.In this embodiment, each of the top 2, intermediate 4, and bottom 3members are configured such that when they are coupled together anopening is formed at the proximal end of the housing 1. Any of the top,intermediate, and bottom members 2, 3 or 4 may be configured to beseparable one from the other, or they may be fabricated such that oncejoined they are not further capable of being disjoined withoutdestroying the housing or its ability to provide a liquid tight seal.

However, as the one or more components, e.g., 2, 3, and 4, come togetherto form the housing 1, the proximal end of the housing 1 includes anopening, such as an opening through which an electronic device, such asa mobile telephone or other like device, can be received. The proximalend of the housing 1, therefore, is further configured for being coupledto a removable proximal end portion 5, so as to seal the housing in aliquid and dirt tight seal.

It is to be noted that although the housing 1 is herein described asincluding three component parts, i.e., a top 2, intermediate 4, and abottom 3 member, in various embodiments, one or more of these componentparts may be excluded and/or their functions be performed by one or moreof the other component parts. For instance, in certain embodiments, thehousing 1 may simply include a top member 2 and a bottom member 3, e.g.,in a configuration as that described above with the addition of aremovable proximal end portion 5, as described herein below.

In other embodiments, the housing 1 includes a single member, i.e., thetop and bottom members are not removable from one another, e.g., theymay be fabricated from a single material, and further configured forbeing removably coupled to a removable proximal end portion 5, asdescribed herein below. In any of these instances, the functionalfeatures as described herein above, button features, slider switch,port, coin slot, etc., can be included into any form of the housing,whether the housing is formed from a single or multiple members.

The proximal end portion 5 may have any suitable configuration so longas it is capable of removably coupling to the housing 1 and providing aliquid, dirt, and/or shockproof seal therewith. For instance, theproximal portion of the housing 1 and the proximal end portion 5 mayhave corresponding clasping mechanisms, as described above with respectto the perimeter portions of the housings 2 and 3. Accordingly, eitherof the proximal portion of the housing 1 and the proximal end portion 5may have interior and exterior perimeter portions, bounding portions,channels, and corresponding clasping mechanism, as described above.Further, it is noted that although the configuration herein detailed iswith respect to a proximal portion, this configuration can be changedsuch as to be a distal end portion or a side portion, with respectivechanges to the various components of the housing in adaptation for thechange in configuration.

As depicted with respect to FIG. 19A, proximal end member 5 isconfigured for being coupled to several different elements. Forinstance, proximal end member 5 is configured for being coupled to asound transmission portion 60 as well as latch door system 70. The soundtransmission system 60 includes acoustic vents 65 a and b. Theseelements are capable of being coupled together via latches 69 that slideinto corresponding grooves thereby joining the sound transmissionportion 60 into the proximal end portion 5. The latch door assemblyincludes a rigid stiffener 72, gasket 78, as well as latch door 71 b.These may be snapped into a corresponding latch door orifice 71 apositioned in proximal end 5. In a manner such as this, once the housingassembly 1 is assembled and the proximal end portion 5 is assembled, anelectronic device 100 may then be inserted into the housing 1, the endportion 5 coupled therewith, and the housing sealed in a liquid proofseal. See for instance, FIGS. 19C-F.

FIG. 19B provides another exploded, segmental illustration of the deviceof FIG. 19A. The housing 1 of the disclosure may include a top housingmember 2, an intermediate member 4, and a bottom member 3. The topmember 2 includes a top-surface membrane 25. The membrane 25 includes anacoustic membrane feature 44 and a button feature 40. The top member 2further includes an outer perimeter portion 20 having both a jack port50 and a slider switch aperture.

The intermediate member 4 is configured for interfacing with both thetop member 2 and the bottom member 3. The intermediate member 4 includesa jack port 50 b, a slider switch receiving aperture, and a cameraportion 80. A slider switch 90 and volume toggles 99 are also providedand configured for being fit within the slider switch receiving apertureof the intermediate 4 and top member 2. The bottom member 3 isconfigured for interfacing with the intermediate member 4 and/or the topmember 2 and further includes a camera feature 80 with lens 84, etc. Thebottom member 3 includes a slider switch interface region forinterfacing with the slider switch 90 as well as a port opening 50 c.

The top member 2, intermediate member 4, and bottom member 3 areconfigured for being coupled to one another so as to form the housing 1.Each of the top 2, intermediate 4, and bottom 3 members are configuredsuch that when they are coupled together an opening is formed at theproximal end of the housing 1. This opening is configured for beingcoupled to a proximal end member 5 in such a manner that a liquid, dirt,and/or shock-proof seal is formed thereby.

The housing 1 couples with the proximal end portion 5 in a liquid-tightseal. The end portion 5 may be configured so as to include one or morefeatures, such as a sound transmission portion 60, including both astructural framework 67, having acoustic channels 66 a and b andacoustic vents 65, as well as a latch feature 70. The acoustic membranefeature includes a sturdy framework 67 having sound channels 66 a and bincluded therein. The sound channels form a microphone acoustic ventportion 66 a having a microphone acoustic vent membrane 65 a therein,and further includes a speaker acoustic vent portion 66 b forming aspeaker acoustic channel and having a speaker acoustic vent membrane 65b. The latch feature 70 includes a latch cover 71 a, which latch cover71 a includes a gasket 73. Further, the end portion 5 may include a pairof latches for securing the acoustic membrane feature to the end portion5. The housing 1 and/or end member 5 also includes a bottom sealingmember, e.g., gasket 15, for interfacing with the top 2, intermediate 4,and/or bottom member 3.

Accordingly, with respect to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the housing members areadapted to be coupled together and therefore include a top member 2,bottom member 3, optionally an intermediate member 4 and/or a proximalend portion 5. As depicted the end portion 5 is configured forinterfacing with a plurality of features, such as one or more soundtransmission features, e.g., acoustic membrane features 65 a and b, anda latch feature 70. The sound transmission feature is configured as anacoustic membrane feature, which includes a plurality of acousticmembranes, such as a microphone acoustic membrane 65 a and a speakeracoustic membrane 65 b. The latch feature 70 includes a latch cover 71b, which latch cover 71 b includes a gasket 73 and is further configuredfor interfacing with a rigid stiffener region 72 that may be positionedwithin the proximal end portion 5 or the proximal portion of the housing1.

Further, as depicted, the acoustic channel feature 60 may include one ormore, e.g., a pair of latches for securing the acoustic channel feature60 to the end portion 5 and/or a gasket for enhancing the sealingthereof. The housing 1 is configured for receiving the proximal endportion 5 and therefore the housing 1 and the end portion 5 will havecorresponding clasping mechanisms and may further include a gasket,e.g., an o-ring, to enhance the sealing of the housing 1 with the endportion 5. Also depicted is a liquid-proof adapter member, as describedabove, which adapter member is coupled to the housing 1 via the port 50.As the latch member 70 b, in this instance, may be removable, a separatestorage element (as described above) may also be included.

FIG. 19C provides an example of a method of assembling a housing of thedisclosure. For instance, a housing 1 may be fabricated as a singleframework portion or a multiplicity of framework portions that areassembled together so as to make a single composite framework portion,as described above. Added to this framework portion is attached a topsurface membrane 25. Of course, the housing 1 can be configured ashaving two members, e.g., a top and bottom member, or more than twomembers, e.g., a top, intermediate, and bottom member, as describedabove. Further, the housing 1 is configured for being coupled to an endportion, e.g., a proximal or distal end portion 5. Of course, thehousing 1 could be, in an alternative embodiment, configured forcoupling to a side member in like manner. With respect to FIG. 19 C, thehousing 1 is adapted to form a liquid tight seal by coupling to endportion 5.

Thus, the housing 1 and the end portion 5 may be fabricated so as to beindependent pieces capable of being coupled together, as describedabove. For instance, the housing 1 and end portion 5 may havecorresponding clasping mechanisms, as described above. A channel and/orgasket may also be included at this interface to ensure the coupling ofthe housing 1 and the end portion 5 form a liquid-tight seal uponcoupling. For instance, the end portion could be configured as a plugportion, having a groove, or channel, or other form of gasket seat towhich a gasket may be attached. As the end portion 5 is slid into thehousing 1, the gasket is compressed thereby providing a liquid proofseal therewith. Accordingly, the clasping mechanisms, channel, and/orgasket may entirely or partially circumscribe the perimeter portions ofthe opening of the housing 1 and/or the end portion 5, e.g., at ahousing interfacing portion of the end portion 5.

As stated above, the housing 1 may be fabricated to have two separatehalves, e.g., a top member 2 and a bottom member 3, which halves areconfigured for being coupled together so as to form the housing 1 withan opening in one of its ends so as to be coupled with end member 5.Likewise a top member 25 may be fabricated from a suitable membranemember independently and then attached to the completed housing 1, ormay be fabricated at the same time as the housing 1, such as in anovermould process.

Accordingly, the membrane 25 may be associated with the housing throughany suitable method such as by bonding, such as by an adhesive and/or inan over-moulded fashion such as described above. The membrane 25 mayfurther include one or more additional elements associated therewith,such as a touch membrane that may be bonded to the top membrane, such asduring an in-mould process, via an adhesive, or by over-moulding. Thebottom member 3 of the housing may further be associated with a film,such as a PET film upon which a graphic decal may be positioned. Incertain instances, the film may be a scratch resistant film.

FIG. 19D provides a perspective view of a housing 1 of the disclosurewith associated end portion 5 and membrane 25. All of the variousfunctional feature elements described above may be added to the housing1, end portion 5, and/or membrane 25 in the manner described above. Inthis embodiment, the housing 1 is assembled, end portion 5 is coupled tothe housing 1 and is in the closed position.

FIG. 19E provides a perspective view of a bottom of the housing 1 ofFIG. 19D. The bottom surface of the housing 1 includes a transparentmembrane 35. This membrane may be attached to the housing in the mannerdescribed above with respect to the top surface membrane 25. The housing1 further includes an end portion 5 both of which have been coupled toan electronic device 100 that is housed within the housing 1. The endportion 5 is associated with the main body of the housing 1 and istherefore in the closed position so as to form a liquid, dirt, andshock-proof seal thereby. The housing 1 therefore houses the electronicdevice 100 and provides protection to the device against inclementweather, contact with liquids such as water, and/or damage due to shock,such as by dropping.

In this embodiment, the housing is not much wider, longer, or thickerthan the underlying device to be housed therein. For instance, thehousing may have a thickness of about 4.5 or about 3.5 mm or less, suchas about 3 or about 2.5 mm, for instance, about 2 mm or about 1.5 mm,including about 1 mm or about 0.9 mm or less, for example about 0.75 mmto about 0.5 mm; dependent upon which materials the housing is made of.It is also to be noted that the when the device is housed within thehousing the width dimension of the housing as compared to the device, asshown in FIG. 19E, may be about 0.5 mm or about 0.75 mm to about 3.5 mmor about 4 mm wider than the device, such as about 1 mm or about 1.5 mmto about 3 mm or about 2.5 mm wider, such as about 2 mm wider than thedevice.

Further, when the device is housed within the housing, the lengthdimension of the housing as compared to the device, as shown in FIG.19E, may be about 1 mm or about 2 mm to about 20 mm or about 15 mmlonger than the device, such as about 3 mm or about 4 mm to about 12 mmor about 10 mm longer, such as about 7.5 mm or about 5 mm longer thanthe housed device, dependent upon from what materials the housing ismade and what perimeter features are to be include. For instance, whereno perimeter features to be included, the housing could be less thanabout 1 mm, such as less than about 0.9 mm, including less than about0.75 or 0.5 mm longer, wider, and thicker than the housed device.

FIG. 19F provides a perspective view of a bottom of the housing 1 ofFIG. 19E. The bottom surface of the housing 1 includes a transparentmembrane 35. As can be seen, the front surface of the housing 25 alsoincludes a transparent membrane 25. The housing 1 further includes anend portion 5 both of which are coupled to the electronic device. Thehousing 1 coupled to member 5 houses the device. As depicted the housing1 and end portion 5 are uncoupled from one another and therefore are inthe open position.

FIG. 19G provides a perspective view of a top of the housing 1 of FIG.19E. The top surface of the housing 1 includes a membrane 25 having abutton feature 40 associated therewith as well as the other featuresdescribed herein above. As can be seen, the button feature 40 alignswith the button feature of the underlying device so as to allow themanipulation of the navigation button. The housing 1 is depicted ascoupled to the end member 5 and therefore is in the closed position,housing an electronic device. The housing 1 is further positioned nextto an exemplary electronic device so as to provide a perspective as tothe length, width, and thickness of the housing 1 relative to the device1.

FIG. 19H provides a perspective view of a top of the housing 1 of FIG.19G. The top surface of the housing 1 includes a transparent membrane 25having a button feature 40 associated therewith as well as othermembrane features described herein above. The housing 1 further includesan end portion 5 coupled to the electronic device. The housing 1 housesthe device. As depicted the housing 1 and end portion 5 are uncoupledfrom one another and therefore are in the open position. It is to benoted, the end portion 5 has additional latching mechanisms positionedon opposing sides for further latching the end portion 5 with thehousing 1 and ensuring a tight seal thereby. The housing 1 furtherinclude latch receiving members for receiving and securing the latchingmechanisms of end portion 5. It is to be understood that thisconfiguration could be reversed.

FIG. 19I provides a close up view of a top end portion of the housing 1of FIG. 19H. As can be seen the housing 1 includes a transparent bottommembrane portion 35 as well as a camera aperture 80 and a port 50 withport bung 53 associated therewith.

FIG. 19J provides a perspective view from a top end portion of thehousing 1 of FIG. 19I. As can be seen the housing 1 includes atransparent bottom membrane portion 35 as well as a camera aperture 80and a port 50 with port sealing bung 53 associated therewith.

FIG. 19K provides a housing 1 a-d with various decals positioned atvarious locations thereon. For instance, a top member 2 front membrane25 may be adapted so as to include an optically masked region, which maybe in the form or may additionally include a graphical feature, such asa decal. Hence, one or more decals may be added to the housing afterfabrication, e.g., by an adhesive coating layer, or other attachmentmechanism, or can be added during the fabrication process.

With respect to FIG. 19L it is to be noted that in various instances thetop member may include an adhesive layer such that the top membercomprises a layer that may be applied directly to the perimeter of a topmember of the housing as well as to the top surface of an electronicdevice and be wrapped there around and thereby provide a liquid-proofseal for the case.

FIGS. 20A-C provide additional aspects of housings of the disclosure. Ascan be seen with respect to FIGS. 20A and 20B, a housing of thedisclosure may be configured to house virtually anything capable ofbeing housed and transported. FIG. 20A provides a housing 1 that is inthe form of a case, such as a brief case, suitcase, messenger case, andthe like. FIG. 20B provides a housing 1 that is in the form of a storagecontainer, cooler, warmer, or the like. The storage container 20B can beconfigured to store anything in need of being protected from theenvironment, such as food, liquids, ice, paper, notebooks, books,household items, work items, office supplies, medical items, sportsitems, clothing, fragile items, precious items, and the like. Thehousings of FIGS. 20A and 20B each include a top member 2 and bottommember 3, which top and bottom members include respective claspingmechanisms 27 and 37, as described above. A channel 10 and gasket 15 arealso provided, in this instance, in the bottom member, although theycould as well be positioned in the top member 2. The top member 2 ofFIG. 20A is connected to the bottom member 3 via a hinge element 11. Insuch an embodiment, the clasping mechanisms, channel, and/or gasket, maynot need to entirely circumscribe the perimeters of the top and bottommembers, however, in various embodiments, one or more of the claspingmechanisms, channel, and gasket do circumscribe the entire perimeterportions, e.g., of the respective top and/or bottom members 2, 3. As canbe seen with respect to FIG. 20B the top member 2 is configured forbeing completely removed from the bottom member 3. In this instance, theclasping mechanisms 27 and 37 circumscribe the entire perimeter portionsof the top and bottom members 2, 3, and the channel 10 and gasket 15entirely circumscribes the perimeter portion of the bottom member 3.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 20C an additional latching mechanismmay be included to either of the housings of FIG. 20A or B for furthersecuring of the sealing of the top and bottom members 2, 3. Thislatching mechanism may be in any configuration so long as it is capableof facilitating the coupling and/or securing of the top member 2 withthe bottom member 3. For instance, the latching mechanism may be onecommonly known in the art. In certain embodiments it may include alocking mechanism known in the art, such as a lock and key mechanism, acombination mechanism, a hoop mechanism through witch an external lockis added, and the like.

In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a housing 1 as described hereinis provided. The method includes individually producing a bottom memberand a top member in such a manner that they are capable of being coupledtogether so as to produce a waterproof and dirtproof housing. Asindicated above, the housing 1 includes several component parts.Primarily, in various embodiments, a housing 1 of the disclosureincludes a top member 2 and a bottom member 3. However, to be moreprecise, the top member 2 is more particularly a perimeter portion 20having a latching mechanism 27 configured thereon. The bottom memberincludes a front and back surface as well as a perimeter portion thatincludes, in various instances, a channel and a clasping mechanism 37positioned therein. The clasping mechanisms are configured to becorresponding and function to lock the top and bottom members together.

The top 2 member perimeter portion 20 and the bottom member 3 may beproduced in any suitable manner in accordance with the methods well knowin the art. For instance, a suitable top member perimeter portion 20 anda bottom member 3 may be produced by moulding such as by injectionmoulding. Although it is recognized that other suitable moulding and/orfabrication techniques may also be employed, such as by casting and/ormachining. As indicated above, a top member perimeter portion 20 may becomposed of any suitable material, but is typically composed of a rigidor semi-rigid material such as a stiff plastic, such as polycarbonate.Likewise, the bottom member may be composed of any suitable material,such as from a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material, such aspolypropylene.

As detailed herein, both top 2 and bottom 3 members have variousadditional features therein, which features may be produced thereon invarious suitable ways, an exemplified version of which is hereindescribed. For instance, in certain embodiments, such as provided inFIGS. 3L and 3M, the bottom member includes a channel 10 having internalteeth receptacles 13 b and the top member includes teeth 13 a on aperimeter thereof. The channel 10 includes an exterior perimeter portion30 b having a clasping mechanism, such as a circumferential grooveprovided therein, e.g., by tooling, and further includes an interiorbonding member 20 a.

The channel 10 may be produced during the injection moulding processwherein the polypropylene material is injected into a suitable mould,the channel formed, and one or more sliding elements, e.g., sliders, arepositioned thereon so as to push through the interior bounding member 20a and partially enter the channel 10. For instance, the teethreceptacles 13 b of the interior perimeter portion 20 a of the channel10 of the bottom member 3 may be produced by the use of a plurality ofelements that are capable of producing undercut features, such assliders, that once the bottom member has been injected into the mold andcooled to an insertion temperature, are positioned exterior to theinterior bounding member 20 a in a central portion of the bottom member3. In one embodiment, five sliders are employed, but more or lesssliders may be used dependent on the configuration. The sliders arepositioned around an interior perimeter portion of the bottom member andas the moulded bottom member continues to cool the sliders are moved,e.g., sequentially, inward toward the center of the bottom member 3,forming the teeth receptacles 13 b, and then the sliders are retracedupwards. The sliders therefore come down, move laterally in, movelaterally out, and then are retracted.

The top member 2 perimeter portion 20 can also be produced by injectingpolycarbonate into a suitable mould. Once moulded and suitably cooledcutout tools, as described above, may be employed to produce one or moreapertures therein, such as various port, switch, or button openings maybe produced therein. Suitable water impermeable vent materials may beplaced to cover various sound inlet/outlet apertures as described abovesuch as by a suitable adhesive and/or by overmoulding.

Once cooled a top surface membrane 25 may be attached thereto, e.g., viaan adhesive, such as a pressure or thermal activated adhesive. Themembrane 25 may be attached to a top surface portion of thepolycarbonate frame or to an underneath top surface portion. In certainembodiments, an outer perimeter portion 20 b of the top member 2 is tobe added to the polycarbonate frame, such as via an overmould process,as described above. In this manner the top member 2 having the featuresdescribed herein above may be produced.

Additionally, as indicated above, atop surface membrane 25 may includeseveral features. These features may be formed, punched, and/or cut intothe membrane 25. For instance, the button feature 40 may be cut into themembrane 25 and its components assembled therein or it can be thermalformed as an indented region of the membrane 25. The lens feature 47 maybe punched and/or the sound transmission portion 44 may be cut into themembrane and the associated elements attached thereto, such as viasuitable adhesives.

Once these features have been formed, suitable associated elements, suchas impermeable vent materials, scrims, screens, and gaskets can then beadded by hand or machine to ensure every aperture is sealed, plugged, orotherwise covered. It is to be noted, with respect to the soundtransmission channel 60, e.g., microphone or speaker channel, the ventmaterial 65 may be overmouled with one or both of an overmould material67 and/or a grille material 68. The vent material, may therefore beadded prior to the overmould process described above. It is to be notedthat the various assembling of screens and attachment thereof my includeone or more of the addition of a suitable adhesive, such as a glue, apressure or thermal sensitive or other suitable adhesive, and/or an overmoulding process. Also, it is understood that where the housing does notinclude a front membrane 25, one or more of the described ventmaterials, screens, or plugs may be applied directly to a device to behoused, such as by use of an adhesive (e.g., stickers configured foracting as water impermeable vents) or by using compressible pugelements, and the like.

Once these features have been formed, a suitable formed charge port doorfeature 70 and earphone port cover 53 may be assembled, gaskets added,and then they may be coupled to their respective top and bottom membersand the housing 1 formed by the coupling of the top member with thebottom member.

FIG. 21 provides a jig device 500 that may be employed in a method ofattaching a front membrane 25 to a perimeter portion 20 of a top member2 of the housing 1 of the disclosure. The jig 500 includes movinghousing engagement members 501 that are capable of moving laterallyinwards and outwards. The engagement members 501 are configured so as tofit a perimeter portion 20 of the housing therein. The jig 500 furtherincludes tensioning elements 502 which can be employed in moving theengagement elements 501 inwards and outwards, thereby compressing orexpanding the perimeter portion 20. The jig also includes securing bolts503 that function to secure the jig in place.

In use, in certain embodiments, a formed perimeter portion 20 isinserted into the moveable engagement members 501. The engagementmembers 501 are contacted to the perimeter portion 20 and the tensioningelements 502 are engaged so as to compress the interior dimension of theperimeter portion 20, e.g., to compress its sides inwards. A suitablyformed membrane material 25 is then attached to the perimeter portion20, e.g., via a suitable adhesive, such as a pressure or thermalsensitive adhesive. In this instance, the membrane 25 is configured forattaching to the perimeter portion 20 in its compressed configuration.Once attached, the tensioning element 502 may be adjusted to relax thetension and the perimeter portion 20 may then be removed from the jig500. Once the tension is released the perimeter portion 20 will returnto its pre-compressed dimension thereby causing the membrane 25 to bestretched. In a manner such as this a top member 2 having a perimeterportion 20 and a top surface membrane 25 may be produced, wherein thetop surface membrane 25 is taught and flat across its surface. Further,once attached, the perimeter portion 20 a and membrane 25 may then beovermoulded to form a suitable exterior perimeter portion, such as witha more flexible rubber or TPE material. Accordingly, this processresults in a top member 2, as described herein, with a front membrane 25interface region that is flat, smooth, and responsive to touch, which inturn makes the user interface with a hosed device more efficient, easierto use, and more enjoyable.

The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for an apparatusof the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the featuresand functionality that can be included in the housings described herein.The apparatus is not restricted to the illustrated architectures orconfigurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternativearchitectures and configurations. Additionally, although the apparatusis described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features andfunctionality described in one or more of the individual embodimentswith which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or insome combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of thedisclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether ornot such features are presented as being a part of a describedembodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present disclosure,especially in any following claims, should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read to mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectivessuch as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms ofsimilar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item describedto a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, butinstead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal,or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at anytime in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with theconjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and everyone of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be readas “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group ofitems linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiringmutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as“and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item,elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed inthe singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereofunless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence ofbroadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but notlimited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read tomean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances wheresuch broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, where a range isset forth, the upper and lower limitations of the range are inclusive ofall of the intermediary units therein.

The foregoing description is intended to illustrate but not to limit thescope of the disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appendedclaims. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A housing within which an electronic device may be fitted, thehousing comprising: a top member and a bottom member configured forbeing removably coupled together to form the housing, each top andbottom member of the housing comprising a front and a back surfacesurrounded by a perimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, adistal end portion, and opposing side portions, the bottom member havinga perimeter portion corresponding to a shape of the perimeter portion ofthe top member; the top member comprising a rigid frame that defines aninterior perimeter portion of the top member including the proximal anddistal end portions and the opposing side portions of the top member; amembrane defining the front and back surface of the top member and beingmated on a top ridge of the rigid frame, the membrane spanning from theproximal end portion to the distal end portion and across the opposingside portions of the interior perimeter portion, the rigid frame and themembrane defining a cavity into which the electronic device may befitted; an exterior perimeter portion of the top member comprising aflexible portion overlaid on at least part of an exterior portion of therigid frame and at least part of a perimeter portion of the membrane; achannel in a top surface of the perimeter portion of the bottom memberto receive a bottom ridge of the rigid frame, the channel including agasket positioned therein to compress against the bottom ridge of therigid frame when the top member and the bottom member are coupledtogether to seal the housing; and the top and bottom members of thehousing comprising clasping mechanisms that extend along respectiveperimeter portions of the top and bottom members, each claspingmechanism interfacing with at least one other clasping mechanism tomaintain the top member and the bottom member coupled together.
 2. Thehousing in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid frame includes atleast one aperture in a side wall of the rigid frame.
 3. The housing inaccordance with claim 2, further comprising a door pivotally connectedto the housing, the door for closing and sealing the at least oneaperture in the side wall of the rigid frame.
 4. The housing inaccordance with claim 3, wherein the door includes a rigid surfacedefining a gasket seat, and a gasket positioned in the gasket seat forsealing the at least one aperture in the side wall of the rigid frame.5. The housing in accordance with claim 1, wherein the claspingmechanism of the bottom member includes a groove in a side of thechannel, and wherein the clasping mechanism of the top member includes alip extending from the bottom ridge of the rigid frame, the lip engagingthe groove when the top member and bottom member are coupled together.6. The housing in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least a part ofthe membrane is transparent.
 7. An apparatus comprising: a top membercomprising: a rigid frame that defines a perimeter portion of the topmember, the perimeter portion defining a proximal end portion, a distalend portion, and opposing side portions of the top member, the rigidframe having a top ridge and a bottom ridge, the bottom ridge includinga first clasping mechanism; a membrane defining a front and back surfaceof the top member and being mated on the top ridge of the rigid frame,the membrane spanning from the proximal end portion to the distal endportion and across the opposing side portions of the perimeter portionof the top member; and a flexible portion overlaid on at least part ofan exterior portion of the rigid frame and at least part of a perimeterportion of the membrane; and a bottom member, which when coupled to thetop member, form a housing to enclose an electronic device to allowtouch-sensitive user inputs to the electronic device via the membrane,the bottom member comprising: a channel in a top surface of theperimeter portion of the bottom member to receive the bottom ridge ofthe rigid frame, the channel including a gasket positioned therein tocompress against the bottom ridge of the rigid frame to seal the housingwhen the top member and the bottom member are coupled together, thechannel further including a second clasping mechanism to interface withthe first clasping mechanism to maintain the top member and the bottommember coupled together.
 8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 7,wherein the rigid frame includes at least one aperture in a side wall ofthe rigid frame.
 9. The apparatus in accordance with claim 8, furthercomprising a door pivotally connected to the housing, the door forclosing and sealing the at least one aperture in the side wall of therigid frame.
 10. The apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein thedoor includes a rigid surface defining a gasket seat, and a gasketpositioned in the gasket seat for sealing the at least one aperture inthe side wall of the rigid frame.
 11. The apparatus in accordance withclaim 7, wherein the clasping mechanism of the bottom member includes agroove in a side of the channel, and wherein the clasping mechanism ofthe top member includes a lip extending from the bottom ridge of therigid frame, the lip engaging the groove when the top member and bottommember are coupled together.
 12. The apparatus in accordance with claim7, wherein at least a part of the membrane is transparent.
 13. Anapparatus within which a portion of an electronic device may be fitted,the apparatus comprising: a top member configured for being removablycoupled with a bottom member to form a housing therewith, the top membercomprising a front and a back surface surrounded by a perimeter portiondefined by a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and opposingside portions; the top member further comprising a rigid frame thatdefines an interior perimeter portion of the top member including theproximal and distal end portions and the opposing side portions of thetop member, the rigid frame comprising a clasping mechanism that extendsalong the perimeter portion of the top member, the clasping mechanismbeing configured for interfacing with a corresponding clasping mechanismof a bottom member thereby allowing the top member and the bottom memberto be coupled together; the top member further comprising a membranedefining the front and back surface of the top member and being mated ona top ridge of the rigid frame, the membrane spanning from the proximalend portion to the distal end portion and across the opposing sideportions of the interior perimeter portion, the rigid frame and themembrane defining a cavity into which the electronic device may befitted, the membrane further comprising a camera lens feature, aproximity sensor feature, and a waterproof sound transmission feature,wherein the sound transmission feature includes an aperture and a waterimpermeable gasket, the gasket overlaying the aperture; and the topmember further comprising an exterior perimeter portion comprising aflexible portion overlaid on at least part of an exterior portion of therigid frame and at least part of a perimeter portion of the membrane.14. The apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein the perimeterportion further comprises an earphone jack port that is configured forbeing mated with a removable earphone jack port bung so as to from awaterproof seal therewith.
 15. The apparatus in accordance with claim13, wherein the perimeter portion further comprises a silence switchfeature configured for interfacing with a silence switch of an insertedelectronic device so as to manipulate the silence switch thereof from afirst to a second position.
 16. The apparatus in accordance with claim13, wherein the perimeter portion further comprises one or more volumecontrol toggles.
 17. The apparatus in accordance with claim 13, whereinthe top member further comprises a button feature wherein the buttonfeature is configured for manipulating a navigation button positioned ona top front surface of an inserted electronic device.
 18. An apparatuscomprising: a bottom member configured for being removably coupled witha top member to form a housing to enclose an electronic device, thebottom member comprising a front and a back surface surrounded by aperimeter portion defined by a proximal end portion, a distal endportion, and opposing side portions, the bottom member having aperimeter portion corresponding to a shape of a perimeter portion of thetop member; the top surface of the bottom member comprising a perimeterportion having a channel positioned therein, is the channel beingbounded by an interior perimeter portion and an exterior perimeterportion and having a compressible gasket positioned therein; the backsurface of the bottom member comprising a perimeter portion having araised rim that is offset therefrom; the front and back surface of thebottom member further having a waterproof lens formed therein.
 19. Theapparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein at least a portion of thetop surface of the bottom member comprises polypropylene.
 20. Theapparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein the lens feature includesan aperture and an optically clear membrane, wherein the optically clearmembrane overlays the aperture so as to form a waterproof sealtherewith.